Lauren Pinkston a portfolio of work
Table of contents
About me……………………………………. 5 Resume……………………………………… 6 References…………………………………… 7
Writing Samples…………………………….. 9 Events and Press……………………………. 15 Copy Writing……………………………….. 19 Fashion Markets Internship ……………….. 23 Experience Abroad…………………………. 27
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” - Rachel Zoe
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WHO IS
Finding my niche in the apparel industry
She?
Vivacious Sophisticated Ambitious
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has paralleled my self-discovery. Through my personal experience, travels, and course work I have found a passion in the theory of using dress as a form of individual and mass media communications. Courses in apparel history, cultural perspectives of dress, and fashion communications across media have sparked my interest in the evolution of style as a primary form of interpersonal and global communication. I have contributed to the world of fashion communications through internships, work experiences, and in class room settings. I am eager to take part in this quickly-evolving sector of the fashion world. As the fashion industry and mediums of communication become more global in this technological day and age, it’s imperative to understand, research, and propose solutions to communication implications in fashion. Upon, graduation I hope to pursue a career in fashion communications to develop a range of communication and marketing skills. My ambitious and creative nature is ideal for exploring and contributing to the everevolving world of fashion. Both my wide range of professional experiences and my double-majors in Apparel Merchandising and Journalism, offer an educated and cosmopolitan knowledge of fashion and communications.
In three words.
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References and Resume
Heather Anderson muse. – Owner 106 N Marion St. Oak Park, IL 60301 museoakpark@yahoo.com (847) 894-9637
Mary Sadofsky Welcome and Information Center Supervisor Dominican University 7900 W Division St. River Forest, IL 60305 msadofsky@dom.edu (708) 488-5440
Simone Bernstein VolunTEEN Nation - Co-Founder simone@volunteennation.org (314) 503-5853
“Lauren has worked for me and earned superior remarks from customers. Her interpersonal relationships skills with the customers and other employees are exceptional. Lauren is a self-starter and has good organization and prioritization skills.” - Heather Anderson
“Lauren has proven that she can take on any new opportunity – evidence of a real go-getter who is performance driven! Her communication skills – both oral and written – are definite strengths and she exhibits such a congenial yet confident spirit about her.” - Mary Sadofsky
“Lauren is a high achiever who is able to handle numerous tasks and responsibilities. She has proven to be a reliable, committed, and ambitious individual. She is hard working and works steadily towards identified goals. It has been a pleasure to work with Lauren." - Simone Bernstein
McKinley Johnson Apparel Design and Merchandising Advisor Dominican University 7900 W Division St. River Forest, IL 60305 mjohnson@dom.edu (708) 366-2490 x5973
Melissa Carr Apparel Merchandising Professor, Fashion Club Advisor Dominican University 7900 W Division St. River Forest, IL 60305 mcarr@dom.edu (708) 366-2490 x6691
"Hard working, responsible, fresh, team-player and a great asset." - McKinley Johnson
"During her time at Dominican University, Lauren has shown to be an outstanding student in every way: reliable, dedicated, productive, meticulous, smart. In class, she has proven to be a student that assumes responsibility and is able to successfully develop ideas and implement them. I feel confident that she will continue to succeed in whatever she sets out to do." - Melissa Carr
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Lauren Leola Pinkston
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laurenleola@gmail.com
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(314) 604-5547
7900 W Division St, River Forest, IL 60305 Objective: To foster a career in fashion communications Education Dominican University, River Forest, IL (September 2012 – May 2016) Bachelor of Arts, Fashion Merchandising & Journalism GPA: 3.8/4.0 Awards: Mazzuchelli Scholars Program, Presidential Scholarship, Excellence in Merchandising Award (2015), Emerging Merchandiser Award (2014 & 2015), Outstanding Senior in Apparel Merchandising Program (2016), Outstanding Senior in Journalism Program (2016), Deans List every semester of enrollment Internships The Costume Department, Cape Town, South Africa Wardrobe Stylist Intern: September - December 2015 Worked on set for photo shoots as personal assistant Styled models and actors for various roles in a variety of shoots for differing clients Worked with props to ensure scenes were aesthetically created Assisted in cutting, sewing, and other factors for production of costume Meyvn Shop, Chicago, IL Menswear Retail and Merchandising Intern: March 2014 – August 2014 Assist with launching a retail business from the ground up Organize inventory including checking in new merchandise and photography for web presence Denny Burlin Sales, Inc., Chicago, IL Intern at STYLEMAX Trade Show: January and April 2013 Represented various lines of clothing merchandised by Denny Burlin Sales, Inc. Accommodated patrons of the trade show by presenting them lines and offering refreshments Cataloged buyers of the merchandise VolunTeen Nation, Virtual Communication Intern: Summer 2013 Created 5 weekly newsletters sent to over 500 contacts Wrote 10 service related blogs Edited and posted blogs from other interns and contributing writers Contacted school administrators to promote VolunTeen Nation Work Experience Whitney Douglas Showroom Fashion Sales Representative: January 2016 – Present Worked trade shows across the Midwest to sell children’s clothing to clients Maintain product knowledge for over 15 children’s wear clothing and accessories lines Keep contact with clients to ensure product satisfaction and to schedule meetings for sales Muse Boutique, Oak Park, IL Sales Associate and Key Holder: October 2013 – Present Served and assisted customers during and following store visit Merchandise products within the store displays Worked with the customer to resolve problems and style for particular needs or event Dominican University, River Forest, IL Welcome and Information Desk Team Agent: August 2012 – Present Welcome visitors to campus by directing them to their desired department or event Review and answer inquiries from patrons and callers Use computer applications to develop a “Weekly Events” document to inform 20 other team members Activities Dominican Star Newspaper: Web Editor (August 2013 – May 2015) and fashion columnist (August 2012 – present) Fashion Club: Public Relations Officer (2013/14) & Vice President of Marketing and Communications (2014/15) Student Blogger for the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS): Fall 2014 and Fall 2015 Study Abroad: Limerick, Ireland (Fall 2014), Stellenbosch, South Africa (Fall 2015) Computer Skills Microsoft Office Programs Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator 7 Other: Word Press, Joomla, Constant Contact
Writing samples
Dominican Star Newspaper Fashion Focus: Alum Reflects on Bowie’s Death Lauren Pinkston February 2, 2016 “He was just someone that you thought was immortal, but the way he left this world was eerily beautiful,” said Autumn Kapka, as she laments the death of David Bowie, widely celebrated musician and artist. The late David Bowie passed on January 10, 2016 from liver cancer at the age of 69, yet his legacy has already inspired the Dominican community. Autumn Kapka, class of 2015 Apparel Design alum, used Bowie’s music as inspiration for her senior apparel design collection featured in the 2015 Dominican University illumiNATION fashion show. Kapka shares that a traumatic experience in her life left her “feeling broken and less than human.” Shortly after the personal incident, she attended the David Bowie Is… exhibition at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, on display September 2014 – January 2015. She found herself captivated by the artist and reignited with life. “David Bowie’s music helped me realize that I was going to be okay and creating this collection inspired by him was the road to my healing,” Kapka said. The annual campus fashion show gives Apparel Design seniors an opportunity to display their fashion designs. Students use a variety of sources for inspiration and create truly unique and captivating pieces. Kapka used elaborate brocade materials, tailored suits, and slender silhouettes to emulate the androgynous aspects of Bowie’s being. She also added fringe to contribute a sense of movement and vivacity. The senior collection academic advisor, McKinley Johnson, remembers Kapka’s collection as “dream-like” and inspired by inner-feelings. “Creativity has a really important part in our lives. It helps us to navigate through experiences, so it was very important to her to see things could and would be better,” Johnson said of Kapka’s design process. Kapka feels she connected with Bowie, because he also used traumatic life experiences to inspire a creative outlet. “You take the good with the bad and keep on evolving,” Kapka explains, “Bowie may not have actually sewn his costumes, but he was a major contributor to designing them.” Kapka, along with other fans all over the globe, were shocked and saddened by Bowie’s death, but that has only spawned renewed inspiration for her. “With his passing, it has given me a gust of wind to really get to work on a new collection,” Kapka explains what’s to come, “I have been sketching a new collection inspired by the content on David Bowie’s last album.” Kapka chooses to live by the mantra: “From the ashes of something ugly, rises something beautiful.” Kapka’s latest design sketches, risen from the death of Bowie, seem to include a premonition of beauty in the final product.
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Dominican Star Newspaper City of Chicago Cuts Funding of Fashion Programs Lauren Pinkston February 16, 2016 Chicago Fashion Week has been cancelled, due to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) decision to eliminate funds. Increased city debt has pressured DCASE to downsize, cutting many programs including Chicago Fashion Focus. This setback leaves local fashion professionals distraught about the future of the Chicago apparel industry. “DCASE, like other city departments, was tasked with reducing its budget for 2016, with as little disruption as possible to the services we provide to the public,” said Jamey Lundblad, director of marketing and communications for DCASE. Mayor Daley launched the Chicago Fashion Focus program in 2005 in order to embellish the local industry with an initiative that reflected a program adopted in NYC. Tonya Gross, milliner and previous director of the Chicago Fashion Focus program, said, “The goal was to create an infrastructure, a network of industry professionals that have platforms to meet, collaborate and elevate the industry. Fashion Focus Chicago was the catalyst and convener.” These cuts have drawn concern regarding the future of the Chicago fashion industry from many local professionals. It may seem especially troubling for recent and soon-to-be grads with fashion degrees studying in the Chicagoland area. Tracy Jennings, director of the apparel department at Dominican, said, “The budget cut for Fashion Focus is a hard hit for young professionals because Fashion Focus helps them build the name and brand recognition they need when starting out.” Although the elimination of funds for Fashion Focus has put a strain on the Chicago fashion industry, local professionals are not without options. According to Lundblad, DCASE will not be producing any fashion events in Chicago this year but they will continue to support the fashion scene through several other initiatives. They will continue to sponsor the city’s workforce development grant to the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. and the Lake FX Summit & Expo for creatives and entrepreneurs. “This support is sometimes more symbolic than financial, but it is just as important in demonstrating that Chicago is welcoming of creative talent,” said Jennings. She also encourages students to take advantage of other, non-government funded, programs offered in Chicago. “Students and young professionals can become involved in organizations like the Chicago Fashion Foundation,” said Jennings. “Part of its mission is to provide programs intended to keep fashion talent here.” Gross is also working to expand development opportunities for fashion and design entrepreneurs in the Chicagoland area. She is working with senior industry stakeholders to create a plan to support the local industry and build a community of fashion professionals. Gross expresses a concern for retaining talent and cultivating opportunities in the local market to keep talented young professionals in Chicago, in turn supplementing the local fashion industry. “Your network of collaborators, co-conspirators, and future business partners might be sitting right next to you in class,” said Gross. “Establish your network now.” In addition, both Lundblad and Gross encourage students to take advantage of the Lake FX Summit & Expo, which includes fashion-oriented workshops. This free conference will take place May 13-15 at the Chicago Cultural Center. For more information visit: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/lakefx.html/.
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American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS) Student Blog Adventures Abroad: Lessons in Packing Lauren Pinkston September 23, 2014 When I found out I was accepted into the AIFS program to Limerick, Ireland, I was beyond excited. When I found out how many bags I could bring with me, I was less than stoked. In fact, I was a little terrified. British Airways allows for one checked bag under 50lbs. How does one fit almost four months of living materials into one bag? Do you think one semester of your life is 50lbs or less? Impossible. Have you seen my closet? You must understand, that as an Apparel Merchandising and Journalism double-major, I have amassed quite the wardrobe and I value each and every garment. I need to have them with me in Ireland. I mean when you think about it, I don’t know a soul in Ireland; however, I have had many eventful nights in my Calvin Klein strappy sandals. The sandals will keep me company! I need them… even though they aren’t practical in such a damp and cool climate. Thankfully I came to my senses and somehow settled on only eight pairs of practical and versatile shoes. Eight pairs is a mere fraction of my shoe collection. In the end, I got away with packing only about 1/10 of my permanent wardrobe. How did she do it, one may ask? Sorcery? Not quite. It started with the simple exercise of planning outfits. I plucked some of my favorite, basic, and flexible dresses, shirts, and pants. Then I started mixing and matching to create a variety of outfit combinations. I was quite surprised by my creativity in this exercise. I began pairing garments that I never thought would go together! Eventually, I found that I had styled 100 ensembles! That’s over 3 months of outfit choices fitting into one bag. I began to become excited about where I would wear the outfits and who I’d meet while out and about. It evolved into a sort of game. (Example: This outfit will be perfect for going to class where I’ll meet students from all over the world! OR this outfit is comfortable, so I’ll wear it while traveling where I’ll bond with a random stranger on the plane!) Suddenly, I didn’t need those Calvin Klein strappy sandals. I was able to stretch a limited amount of garments into a semester long wardrobe and I learned a lesson in living light. In the end, I realized that the best things in life are experiences and relationships. The material items I bring along aren’t so important. Ten years from now, I hope I’m not looking back at my times in Limerick thinking about my limited, but still stylish, wardrobe; I hope to be thinking about the things I learned from the experience and the individuals I met along the way. See more at: http://blog.aifsabroad.com/alumnus/adventures-abroad-lessons-in-packing/#sthash.YgfGyOLM.dpuf
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Dominican Star Newspaper Fashion Focus: Find the perfect boutique for you By Lauren Pinkston October 2, 2013 Dominican University is surrounded by a variety of shopping locations catering to every girl’s fancy. Boutiques seem to be on every corner in Oak Park and Forest Park. Each store carries diverse merchandise to satisfy every woman’s style. Here are some of the most unique and trendy boutiques in the area:
Girlicious: For Fun-Loving Fashion 7508 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130 This boutique has a vivacious vibe and offers high-end, fun looks at a fair price. Not only are the items unique, there are often promotions that may include “buy one, get one for half off,” or you may receive a free accessory with your purchase. Girlicious is the perfect place to go for a night out with the girls celebrating a birthday or bachelorette party. Owner of Girlicious Ivy Ippolito Foreman, describes it as “an adult Libby Lou; every girl’s fantasy boutique.”
Trends: For Price Conscious Couture 810 North Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60301 This consignment store offers gently used, well-made designer items at a fraction of the cost. Manager Amanda Romano shares, “We often get pieces in that [they] were just on the retail racks a few months ago.” Not only is Trends a great place to buy clothes, but you can also sell your lightly-used clothing and accessories. This constant flow of stock means there are new items on the racks every day.
Team Blonde: For Fashionable Philanthropy 7442 W. Madison, Forest Park, IL 60130 This boutique features philanthropic goods and an eco-spa. Owner Heidi Vance said, “We offer environmentally friendly and socially conscious fashionable items.” This boutique offers a variety of services, including jewelry design events. Heidi aims for her boutique to promote women empowerment. As a bonus for Dominican Students, all boutique merchandise and spa services are 10 percent off, given you provide a student ID.
Muse: For Inspiration a la Mode 106 N. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301 This store curates trendy looks with an artistic edge. The price points are appropriate for women of all ages; designer lines, such as Whitney Port, cater to young adults. Whitney Port’s line will be launched in the spring alongside over 30 other stylish brands. This variety of brands offers equally diverse looks. Muse will also alter any full-priced garment if it doesn’t fit just right. Owner Heather Anderson is offering 15 percent off all merchandise to any Dominican Student who mentions this article.
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Events and Press
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release | March 17, 2016 Dominican University Apparel Design and Merchandising Department 7900 Division St River Forest, IL 60305
Chicago Street: The Real Runway Annual Student Fashion Show Spotlights Social Responsibility
Event Dates: Saturday, April 2 (two shows) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m. Press Contact: Lauren Pinkston | pinklaur@my.dom.edu | (314) 604-5547
Chicago Street: The Real Runway, an annual student produced fashion show, is spotlighted by the Apparel Merchandising and Design Class of 2016. This representation of Chicago’s renowned fashion scene and culture includes an element of social responsibility, with students hosting a clothing drive to coincide with ticket sales. The drive will focus on benefiting a Chicago-based charity, Howard Brown Health Center. The Chicago Street fashion show highlights the cycle of trends from runway to street fashion. The Apparel Merchandising and Design students have collaborated to showcase their take on fashion through Chicago’s vibrant scenery. Students use the experiences and skills that they have gained while studying apparel as a business and as an art form to create a one-of-a-kind production. Each year the fashion show brings together students, families, community members, and industry professionals to celebrate the learning and development process of apparel students. This year, as part of Dominican’s mission of compassionate service, students are collecting and contributing gently-used, fashionable clothing items to be donated to the Brown Elephant, the Resale Shop of Howard Brown Health Center, located in Oak Park at 217 Harrison St. The mission of the organization is “to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.” Clothing donations will be collected in the weeks leading up to the show. Chicago Street: The Real Runway fashion show will take the stage on April 2 and 3 in the Lund Auditorium of the Dominican University campus, at 7900 Division St., River Forest. Tickets are available to the public for $15 at the Dominican University Performing Arts Center Box Office.
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Writing copy
Anthropologie Home These samples of copy writing illustrate my ability to use Anthropologie’s recognizable brand voice, using romantic language, to physically describe the products. I chose This brand gives their products very worldly, intricate names, but doesn’t go far in product description. I found my inspiration in exploring the meaning of the names Anthropologie gave their products. For example. They named a piece of bedding the Toulouse Duvet. Toulouse is a city in Southern France, so I used this knowledge as inspiration in my copy writing exercise.
Toulouse Duvet There’s a certain je ne se quoi about the cozy, comfort of a beautifully made bed. Cuddle up and get comfortable in the gorgeous, ruffled toulouse duvet. The pretty, pink tone will inspire dreams of a summer, sky in South France. Pair with our toulouse shams for more satisfying slumbers.
Anivalda Garden Pot Enliven your home with the vibrant, Anivalda Garden pot. Geometric patterns and fun colors spark South American design motifs. The Anivalda handmade garden pot brings life to any domestic scene.
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Tasseled Jacare Pillow The tasseled jacare pillow is sure to inspire many long cuddles on the couch. Splashes of vibrant embroidery add a fresh burst of color to brighten your interiors and mood.
Essone Shadow Box The Essone Shadow box displays memories a la mode. The intricately carved frame is the perfect set for mounting your most treasured photos, letters, and immortalized memories. The Essone Shadow box comes in shimmering champagne or ivory.
Piastrella Towel Collection The piastrella towel collection features a pattern Inspired by the intricate tile work of Italian artisans. The pale blue tones are reminiscent of Mediterranean Sea tides. Bath time becomes bella vita!
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Fashion markets internship
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Study abroad south africa
Tutoring english in South Africa During my time studying in Cape Town, South Africa, I had two very different work experiences which illustrate the various cultures and lifestyles of South African people. I volunteered to tutor English once a week during the course of my semester in Kayamandi Township. A legacy of the apartheid legislation, townships are located all over the country as previously designated living spaces with primarily black residents. This experience taught me a lot about the different values we have as humans and the economic contrast between rich and poor that is still prevalent in this region of the world.
Above: The advisors broke us into small groups to work on various exercises, such identifying synonyms/antonyms, altering sentence structure, adding punctuation, etc. My first experience visiting Kayamandi was wrought with discomfort, surprise, and, in the end, an appreciation for this genuine way of living. Kayamandi, just a five minute drive from my lodging on campus, lacks many aspects of a modern city, including sewage systems, electrical grid lines, established and well-stocked shops and stores, universal running water, and more; however, they do have several schools, which is where I spent my time in the township. Although most residents live in poverty, I found that this didn't define the lives of the inhabitants. I worked with 16 and 17year-old high schoolers, who were surprisingly very similar to myself at that age. They talked about boys and dreamed of going away for college. One girl gushed that I looked like Taylor Swift and went on to hum some popular tune by the pop singer. Speaking to the students in their decrepit school was quite enlightening. I expected them to be withdrawn, but they were full of life. I expected them to be hopeless, but they had plans and dreams. They had respect for themselves and for their families, which I noted as quite mature for their age.
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Right: Taken from the schoolyard of Kayamandi High School. Note the shacks crammed together in the distance.
Although their ancestors, elders, and themselves have experienced various racial discrimination, they smiled and, in broken English, told me that they’re favorite class was Tourism and Hospitality, because they loved learning about the people who visit from all over the world to admire the ecological and cultural treasures South Africa has to offer. I found it interesting that this was a course offered to students, as the local government attempted to prepare them with life and working skills in the current environment. These students represent an honest depiction of South Africa, in which among a thousand teetering shacks, I found a new understanding of how this beautiful country and its citizens are adjusting to the past and deciding their future. On my first day walking into the school, I had various apprehensions and expectations regarding the experience, but on my last day, I found that instead of bestowing knowledge on the students I was tutoring, they had made an immense impact on my worldview. It’s quite an experience walking out of the school, surrounded by a high fence with razor-wire. If you look in front of you, you see thousands of shacks crammed together, seemingly only standing because they’d have no where to fall; but, if you look behind you, there is a magnificent view of the Stellenbosch mountains, dominating and decorating the skyline.
Left: Taken from the schoolyard of Kayamandi High Schoolb at the end of the school day. Mountains loom in the distance.
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Costume Design While mingling and getting to know locals in Cape Town, I made an outstanding connection with Malikah Hajee, local costume designer and stylist. I had the opportunity to work with her one-on-one creating costumes for a carnival in Germany and styling a photoshoot for TCC Global, a world leader in retail marketing. This was a great experience in seeing my industry at work in a foreign market. Many creative projects located all over the world outsource their material to South Africa, due to lower labor costs and the outstanding outdoor settings.
Above: Inspirations and costume sketches come to life in the design process.
When I first met Malikah, she was working on a project designing life-size insect costumes to be used in a carnival in Germany. This experience enlightened me to a new side of the industry, which I previously had little knowledge of. Both the design process and working with costumes were relatively foreign to me, so I was especially excited to learn more about these elements of the apparel industry. Malikah explained how she received images for inspiration for the costumes and then went on to draft her sketch of the costume, formulate patterns, and decide on fabrics and other materials to make the inspiration come to life. I helped Malikah with the construction process, as I cut the fabric to pattern, sewed, and manipulated various other materials, including Styrofoam and tubing to get the desired insect-look. Working with Malikah on costume design taught me a lot about the hard work and process of creating costumes
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Styling with tcc global In addition to my experience working with Malikah on costume design, I also helped her style a lifestyle photoshoot with TCC Global. The clients from TCC Global were from London and chose to shoot in South Africa for the broad range of landscapes. TCC Global worked directly with Infidels Creative Representation, a Cape Town-based group representing professional directors, photographers, clothing stylist, hair stylists, and make-up artists. Malikah was represented by Infidels as a clothing stylist and was put to work on this project. The styling started with a planning sheet, which included the schedule of shoots, locations, models, sets, and more. Malikah and I used this information to find looks for each of the models in each scene. These scenes included a family day at the beach, Christmas morning opening presents, picnicking by a lake, camping, a dinner party, and more. Based off of these factors and the sizing of the models, we went to several apparel hire showrooms and stores where we picked out outfits for each model for each scene of shooting. We prepped all the chosen items and photographed them for cataloguing purposes. Over the course of the 5-day photoshoot we organized all of the looks and dressed the models for each of their scenes. In addition to working with Malikah as an assistant stylist, I also had the opportunity to work with the props department in perfecting the scene for each shot. This experience was very eye opening, in that I saw how much went into styling clothing for photoshoots. I also worked with people from very different parts of the world: London and Cape Town. I really enjoyed being a part of creating a campaign with such a large company, that will surely turn out an outstanding final marketing campaign.
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Thank you.