CT Magazine - Issue 11 - Featuring Photographer Dennis Valdez

CT Creative Talent Magazine

Meet our Cover Star Embrace Your Curves

US Fashion Designer Danielle Senour

issue 11 OCT 13

The Fashion Magazine with Creative Flare

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u s Is

Welcome to the CURVY issue of Creative Talent Magazine Creative Talent, or CT Magazine, is the brain child of North Yorkshire based fashion, advertising and pinup photographer Sean J Connolly.

We are proud to feature, for the second time, photographer Dennis Valdez as our cover star; we love his work and so should you!

If you would like to have your work featured in a future issue get in touch, we are always looking for photographers, The theme for this issue is Curvy, models, make up artsts, stylists, designers, writers, bloggers, celebrating the curvier people in well you get the idea. So if you want to showcase your work to this world. the world, get in touch.

The point of this issue is to show you don't have to be fat to be curvy, How Do I Get Involved? EASY! check out a great article by Abigail Hodgson (page 16) for a true 1. Like us www.facebook.com/CTFashionMagazine insight into what curves are.

2. Follow us www.twitter.com/CT_FashionMag

We are also honoured to be featuring an awesome US based 3. Email us your work getinvolved@CTMagazine.co.uk designer Danielle Senour (page 60) we love her work and her style and think she is going to take over Also don't forget to share our website the world. One thing you may notice in this issue is we have had a www.ctmagazine.co.uk design tweak, gone for a more simple looking issue. So what do you think?

Sean J Connolly, Editor www.seanjconnollyphotography.co.uk www.twitter.com/SeanJC Becky Magson, Copy Editor BeckysBoudoir.blogspot.com

COVER CREDIT

Photographer - Dennis Valdez Model - Enigmatise1981 MUA / Stylist -Suki Miles

You can reach us on FaceBook and Twitter so give us your thoughts on the new layout. Good, bad, anything, we can take it :) But most of all enjoy this issue.

Plus as you may already know it's halloween at the end of the month, so we are doing a special mini feature issue just for the occasion. If you're an awesome MUA, photographer or model, we want to see your scariest halloween work!

Email submissions to: getinvolved@ctmagazine.co. uk.

FEATURES

IN THIS ISSUE

4 - COVER STAR

Dennis Valdez - Fashion Photographer

10 - THE VINTAGE VIXENS

Sharon Scoffings, Amy McAskell and Sonja Bredgaard

16 - FAT vs CURVY

Article by Abigail Hodgson

28 - EMBRACE YOUR CURVES Article by Charlotte Lister

40 - AUTUMN'S TALE

Short Story by Toby Newton

54 - WANTED

Special Feature by Krista Wilson

60 - US FASHION DESIGNER Danielle Senour

ON THE COVER WIN A NECKLACE

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4 Cover Star Elizabeth Crawford

Embrace Your Curves

60 US Fashion Designer Danielle Senour

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER -

Photographer - Dennis Valdez Model - Enigmatise1981 MUA / Stylist: Suki Miles

D V

- ESSEX - UK

ennis aldez

COVER STAR

I am Dennis Valdez, a hobbyist fashion photographer from Essex. I have been shooting for more than two years, which I normally organize. My photos have also been published in different magazines and websites. I have a small studio space at home, which I use but I got bored with shooting on plain background so recently I started organizing my own group shoots called Focal Edge Fashion Shoot. This group started with the aims of creating high edge fashion images and of meeting other fellow photographers. It aims to expand fellow photographers’ portfolios and will stretch the boundaries through the shared experience. We use grand, unusual and spectacular locations using professional models. A professional stylist will be always in attendance and creative make up artists and fashion designers will also be on hand all to provide the finishing touches in the production of outstanding and innovative fashion images. If you are on Facebook, please feel free to join us (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Focaledge/) and to see upcoming shoots and images produced on our recent group shoot. The next group shoot will be in a very old church in Central London on November 30, 2013.

I am constantly searching for models; make up artists and stylists for future magazine publications and upcoming projects. I do mainly collaboration/Time For (TF) shoots in exchange for creative images. If you would like to be updated of my works and casting calls, feel free to Like my Page in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisValdezPhotography. My updated portfolio can be seen on this link too: http://purpleport.com/portfolio/dennis/ . Feel free to keep in touch if interested in collaboration.

www.facebook.com/DennisValdezPhotography Model

Enigmatise1981

Photographers Dennis Valdez

MUA / STYLIST Suki Miles

Photography: Dennis Valdez

MUA: Annabelle Lowe

Model: Olive Cartley

Photographer - Jade Turnbull Model - Frankii Wilde

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Photographers - HD Photography: Craig Devlin & Stuart Henderson Model - Nick Danks

Photographer - Dennis Valdez Model - Exhayle

Photographer - Dennis Valdez Model - Enigmatise1981 MUA / Stylist: Suki Miles

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Sharon Scoffings & The Vintage Vixens Even my name is curvy!

Who is Sharon?

Sharon Scoffings is somewhat of a local celebrity. She is one of a trio of ladies collectively known as The Vintage Vixens. They are at the epicentre of vintage fashion and lifestyle scene in the East Midlands and are based in Nottingham. She often appears in the press with Amy McAskell and Sonja Bredgaard and is no stranger to being photographed. Sharon is often referred to as the ‘little curvy’ one of the three vixens. What people don’t always realise is just how creative she is. Also known as ‘Sharon the arty one’, she is a talented artist, blogger, extras actor, lifestyle model and vintage lifestyle aficionado in her own rights. She even has a degree in Graphic Design.

#TheVintageVixens

What does she do?

Part of her role in The Vintage Vixens is to promote those smaller businesses and events by appearing in photo-shoots endorsing their services and products. “This is where having a figure that’s petite but curvaceous really comes into its own”. Many of the vintage clothing styles that she wears for herself or the things that she promotes work better on curvy figures.

Sharon is known by her shapely victory rolled faux fringed and long hair styles (of which she does herself) and of course, her hourglass figure. Most creatives understand that curves of any kind are appealing to the eye. “There’s the added bonus that curves look good in photographs. As far as body shapes go, it’s not always been classed as fashionable but I’m more than comfortable in my curvaceous figure. I’ve refused to be placed in a corner because of my body shape”. She’s creative and she’s curvy… That’s Sharon Scoffings. If you look at it, even the shape of her name is curvy…

www.thevintagevixens.com

Who are The Vintage Vixens?

We are Sharon Scoffings, Amy McAskell and Sonja Bredgaard.

Three very distinctive individuals all with a fondness for most things vintage.

A talented trio with skills in design, photography, writing, dance, performance, dressmaking, costume collecting, acting & public speaking.

Each possesses a wealth of knowledge in vintage styling & lifestyle issues.

#SharonAmySonja

The three started out as friends, but their collaboration has led to their successfully promotion of all manner of events, including fashion shows, classic car and cycling events, live music events as well as dance and theatre productions. To date, they’ve not only appeared in promotional photographs, but have written pieces for numerous local and vintage specialist publications. The three ‘vixens’ feature in many press articles and publications and are very well known in Nottingham & the East Midlands for their vintage lifestyles & fashion sense.

talk@vintagevixens.com

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www.aimeelindsay.co.uk

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Photographer: Brian Conran – www.facebook.com/Pyramidclicks Model: Charlie D - www.facebook.com/Charlie-D-Model

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Photographer: Ceri Vale – www.facebook.com/vale.images.model.p Model: Sophie Harrison - www.facebook.com/SophieLouiModel MUA & Hair: Kelly Jenkins - www.facebook.com/kellymariehairandma

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portfolios

akeup

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model - olivia harriet accessories - the magpies river clothing hair & mua - olivia harriet photo - dewa ariadi

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Fat vs Curvy

(You don't have to be fat to be curvy)

Abigail Hodgson - 5ft 8ins - 10st 4lbs - BMI 21.87 - 30G - Size 10-14 So let’s begin with the official definition of fat and curvy in context regarding appearance of the human body.

Fat: tissue containing fat: animal or vegetable tissue made up of cells that contain fat, especially the layer of cells under the skin that in excess make somebody overweight.

Curvy: informal (of a woman’s figure) shapely and voluptuous.

Where do I draw the line between fat and/or curvy?

Well I’m neither an expert of the oxford dictionary nor responsible for defining words but as all humans are programmed to, we can’t help but have our own opinions and perspective of life. My personal opinion behind the meaning of ‘fat’ is someone who is overweight, obese, or someone with a higher than average BMI. Curvy, however, Photography: Dean Dromwich is the short term used for curvaceous meaning a feminine Model: Sarah body with shapely curves. Shapely curves as in larger breasts, hips, bum and thighs with a smaller waist. Seems fair right? No? So how would you describe fat and/or curvy?

With society and media ever dictating the rights and wrongs of how we should look, some obese overweight ladies have succumbed to use the word curvy as a euphemism for fat, therefore losing its true meaning. Many advertisers of plus sized clothing use the polite adjective to mask up the obvious without trying to cause offence.

Fashion magazines assume you have to weigh 300lbs to be considered curvy. If curvy means fat, how would you describe celebrities such as Beyonce, Sharkia, Jlo and Tyra Banks? Fat? Far from it! How about Adele? She is a big girl but she disguises it by wearing clothes that suit her figure to create feminine curves.

I was blessed to inherit my mother’s small waist and child bearing hips, my nana’s big knockers and my father’s long legs. I do struggle with fluctuating weight but that’s only because I’m too lazy to get off my backside, so I do have a fair bit of meat around my thighs and hips which I think takes away the shape off my bum. I have a love/ hate relationship with my boobs. They can be a huge pain when trying to find a decent, comfortable bra that doesn’t cost a fortune, as well as squishing them in my sleep! But I wouldn’t change them for the world; In short, they define my femininity! All that considered, I have narrow shoulders, visible collar bones and a small waist which balances out the proportion of my body. I’m not skinny, nor am I fat, so overall I would like to describe myself as slim and curvaceous.

I think it’s safe to say that no matter what your weight or dress size, you can mould in those curves somewhere. Whether you have small boobs with wide hips and a big juicy bum, big boobs with narrow hips, a size 0 or a size 16, being curvy does not mean that you are overweight, it is a term used for having a feminine shaped body. On the flipside, being slim does not necessarily mean you are skinny, you may have a flat stomach with voluptuous thighs.

Don’t feel offended if someone happens to describe your figure as curvy, guaranteed what they mean is you have the womanly curves in the right areas. Stereotypes have always been an ego buster so let’s throw away our worries of never looking like the girl on the front cover of a fashion magazine and start loving who you are and the way you look.

After all, no two people are the same, there is only one of you and that in itself is precious and as long as you are healthy and confident in your skin, you are beautiful. So come on girls, let’s embrace our curves!

Photographer: Amy Faith Dress designer: Mark Melia Model: Laila Wallace of Industry People Model Agency Make up & Hair: Amy Faith

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Photography: Sensual Touch Photography Model : Abbie Coughlan Clothing Designer : Lotte Manson Hair and Make up artist : Zara Braham

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Photography: Dean Bromwich Model: Hannah

Photography: Emily Harris Photography Model: Poppy Robinson Lighting Assistant: Debbie Harris

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Photography: RCS Photography

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Photography: Aleksandra Markowska - www.maxmodels.pl/fotograf-aleksphoto.html Model: Pauline Solarz

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Photography: Chris Gray - www.ca-gray.co.uk Model: Christina Hunter

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Embrace Your Curves

Charlotte Lister - charlie_lister87@hotmail.co.uk Embrace your curves with a bandage dress.

No matter what your size or shape you can create a sexy silhouette with a bandage dress.

Model Charlotte Lister Photographer Rebecca Toplis MUA Tasmyn Nicola Dresses Celebrity Inspired Fashion

Celebrity Inspired Dresses are made from heavy weight, luxurious bandage fabric that holds you in and smooths you out while giving you perfect curves. Bandage Dresses appear to be made from multiple thin strips of cloth sewn together, with the individual strips shaped like bandages The bandage dress was made popular by the designer Herve Leger and are very popular among celebrities from Beyonce and Kim Kardashian to the girls from Towie.

Model Charlotte Lister Photographer Rebecca Toplis MUA Tasmyn Nicola Dresses Celebrity Inspired Fashion

Celebrity Inspired Dresses are much more affordable than Herve Leger and start from only ÂŁ60 so they are purse friendly. Once you have one you will want more due to the compliments you receive and more importantly how they make you feel.

As there are so many different styles and colours available I am sure you will find one for what ever occasion you are attending, from a night out with the girls to a wedding or a day at races.

So whether you're a size 8 or a size 20 a bandage dress will help you feel comfortable, sexy and just like your favourite celebs.

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Model: Gemma Cullen - www.facebook.com/gemmacullenmodel Photographer: My Boudoir Makeover Photography - www.facebook.com/MyBoudoirUK MUAH: Sarah Elliott

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Photography Exclusive Image LLC www.ExclusiveImageOnline.com Based in central Connecticut on the East Coast in New England Model Bridget Oei is a pre-professional ballerina, international Irish step award winner and lots more!

I've got plenty more images from this shoot that I'd love to share if you like the look. Let me know and I can set up a Dropbox folder for you or online gallery.

Photographer - Karen Burnard (K L Burnard Photography) - klburnardphotography@webs.com Model - Nadene Pitter

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Model: Pinklilith - www.facebook.com/pinklilith1982 Photography: Base Photography - www.facebook.com/pages/Base-photography/476206742429353

Model: Jaynie Jezebel Photography: After Midnight Photography

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Models: Mayank Sahni & Aanchal Chawla Photographer: Baba MUA: Simmi Jagga

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Photographer: Steve Weys of Yer Tiz Photography Model: Jade Mary MUA and Hair Stylist: Lien Vy Location: Euston, London

Irena Kabelis - Plymouth UK www.irena-kabelis.com

www.facebook.com/hannahjophoto

Photographer: Charis Talbot MUA: Kitty Kerry Model: Little Gem

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Autumn's Tale

Words and Photography - Toby Newton Sunna reached for 'The Horn of All Tomorrow's Victories', given to her by her brother, the Moon God when they last met. It would summon those brave enough to vanquish any foe, so the legends told. Her hands trembled as she held it. Though not normally fearful of the night, she feared the coming ones, and that nobody would hear her calling. Blackness crept all around, silently infiltrating her courtyard; yearning to find her and take her away.

The Goddess of Summer felt her radiance softening, a pale hue appearing on cheeks once full of blissful colour. She touched one of them and it was cold, then coiled locks of curls around her finger as she contemplated her fate. Her hair too began to fade as she looked down, the gold draining away along with her hope. She had known Hel would not rest until she had her vengeance, she just had not expected it to come so soon.

Seemingly with each old leaf that fell from every tree had come a new tale of farmers and their cattle, devoured by some dragon or demon sent on the night winds that plagued the surrounding lands. Finally, Sunna put the ancient instrument to her soft lips and sounded her alarm. She knew she would not see out one more night if she stayed and when the morning sun finally struggled to raise itself she fled through mournful fields to her stables.

She would ride for Ravensbrow, and seek out the sister she had not seen since childhood in the hope that Autumn had not already succumb to this dark magic sweeping their realm.

She turned and looked back over her shoulder as she ran, a final glance at her beloved home. She knew it would be but ashes if she ever made it back.

Model: Yaasmin Designer: House of Hannigan Photographer: Chloe Isherwood MUA: Rosanna Ceroiso

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Photography: John Ivey - www.facebook.com/john.ivey3 Model: NinaValentine-Rasic - www.facebook.com/nina.valentinerasic

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photographer: iann ivy

wardrobe: American Apparel

model: Sofia Sky

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Photography : Paul Castleton - www.facebook.co Model : Pandora Poisob - purpleport.com/portfolio

om/CastletonPhotographic o/pandorapoison

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Model: Sharon Scoffings Photography: Sash Photography

Model: Samantha Richardson - 07947709284 Photographer: Kevin Richardson - richardson.kev@live.co.uk

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Model: Nicholas Ainsley

Model: Sarah Whitehouse

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Photography: Sophie Saint Photography Model: Rozanne Penrose

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Photography: Trev - www.facebook.com/trev.wordley Model: Raven-Lily

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Danielle Senour - Fashion Designer - Seattle WA, USA www.facebook.com/InkStreetFashion www.inkstreetfashion.vp.com

What is your name and where are you based?

My name is Danielle Senour. My clothing label is called Ink Street Fashion. Ink Street is based out of Seattle, WA. How did you get into fashion designing and how long have you been doing it?

My fashion journey kinda started when I started school. That happened in 2004, then took a year off when my Mom passed away. After a little bit of time back to school I got pregnant.

Lol. I stayed in school until I was 8 and a half months along. After my daughter was born I took another year off to hang w/my kiddo. I FINALLY earned my degree in 2011. Right now I’m running through the basic start up business issues most new companies have while trying to balance it out w/being a Mom. What types of fashion do you design? i.e glamour, fashion, pinup, etc I am definitely a plus size designer. I consider myself some kinda plus size, pinup, rockabilly, rocker glam kinda designer. It’s sort of hard to pin point & strongly label something that’s so ambiguous. I heart plus size designing. It doesn’t mean that I’m not capable of designing for smaller sizes, but I am totally stoked about the fact that I can help a plus size chick feel more comfortable in her own skin. Some of these gals really feel bad about themselves & their bodies. I help them to understand that it’s more about the shapes of their clothing, not the size of their bodies. The silhouettes they’re creating aren’t right for their body type.

It’s no big deal, let’s just find the right ones.

Photography: Kariba Jackson of Kariba Photography Model: Brandi Day MUA: Jeannewade Fernandez of Kiss & Makeup Artistry Hair: Lani of Hair by Lani

Study. Stud

Have you worked with any well known designers or names?

Jaynie Jezabel. She’s kind of a local pinup celebrity. She’s amazingly talented & crazy beautiful. Also the talented photograpgher Dani Griffin @ After Midnight Photography. This woman is dripping w/creativity. I’ve also had the pleasure of working w/Kariba Jackson of Kariba Photography & one of her go to fantastic models Brandi Day. Kariba really has a knack for capturing a pure moment w/a camera. It’s very authentic feeling. Brandi couldn’t look less than beautiful even if she tried. I’m so lucky because these super talented ladies are so much higher on the fashion totem pole then I am. HA! Do you prefer working on location or in a studio?

I sooo totally love working in studio. I like to feel totally prepped right before a show. If I’m still hemming garments & whatever right before something walks the runway, I’m gonna be frazzeled. Being unprepared totally messes w/my head.

Photography: Dani Griffin, After Midnight Photography Model, MUA, Hair: Jaynie Jezabel

What do your friends and family think of you being a designer?

Once again, totally lucky. My friends, especially family, even in-laws, waaay supportive. It’s so encouraging & reassuring to me. When I start to feel frustrated & even pessimistic I’ve always got someone there to tell me I’m being a dork, get over it, & that I can do it.

What is the furthest place you have travelled for a show?

The shows I’ve been involved with have all been in Seattle, but I have traveled around Washington for photoshoots. There’s a ton of outrageously awesome places for photoshoots in the Northwest.

dy. Study.

What preparations do you do before a show, or before launching your latest collection?

Study, study, study. I research color trends, as well as the style trends. Then I have to consider how would “My Girl” wear this trend. “My Girl” is my target customer.

She’s plus sized, kinda rockabilly, kinda psychobilly, but also comfortable. I try really, really hard to make things that are kid friendly, not a lot of dry cleaning going on @ Ink Street. HA!!

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Photography: Dani Griffin, After Midnight Photography Model, MUA, Hair: Jaynie Jezabel

What do you think makes a good designer?

I think a good designer is someone that can find & make beauty in anything while also expressing their point of view as well as emotions. After all, isn’t that what fashion is all about?

Self expression? That being said it doesn’t always have to be beautiful. Beauty is still in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes beauty is dark, sometimes it’s sinister, sometimes it is light, bright & fluffy but it doesn’t always have to be.

What's your favourite collection / design you have ever done?

My favorite collection is the one that I’m working on now. I’m doing a collection for Fall 2014.

This collection is following the Grunge Trend. I’m ridiculously excited about it. I feel like I’m designing my dream wardrobe. It’s going to be a mix of 70’s punk, mixed w/ 90’s punk & of course some 90’s grunge. All of this w/a pinup, plus size feel. It’s going to be so much fun for me to create.

Who is your favourite fashion designer and why?

Wow! Tough question! Right now I’m totally in love w/the things that Yves Saint Laurent is doing.

YSL’s interpretation of the grunge trend is inspiring to say the least. YSL is mixing leathers w/tartan fabrics & a shit ton of hardware in a stellar & chic way. Love. Love. Love.

www.facebook.com/InkStreetFashion www.inkstreetfashion.com

Photographer - Emily Cromarty Model - Elizabeth Crawford 61

Model: English Rose Photography: Belinda Sizer