I met Alexis a while back when she attended one of my Photography Workshops. She came in wearing the SNAZZIEST cape/jacket/hoody I had ever laid eyes on and the only thing that distracted me from her high fashion couture was her stunning good looks. I had emailed back and forth a bit with Alexis before the class and learned that she was a clothing designer and after visiting her blog and ETSY site, I completely fell in love with her creations. TOTALLY my style. Not that I could ever pull it off like she does but I can certainly admire it. I eventually became the proud owner my own custom-made original Made By Lex cape/jacket/hoody creation which I just love so much!
Alexis and I have stayed in frequent contact and I've proudly watched as she continues to grow as a designer and spread her wings. Her line is now carried at Stripe in downtown Santa Cruz (one of my FAVORITE new shops downtown) and she was recently contacted by the show "Project Runway" and asked to submit an application to be on the show. The best part of that last little tidbit is that when we first met and I saw her work my EXACT words to her were: "girl, you are going to end up on Project Runway, mark my words." So I take no small delight in the fact that my prediction may very well come true. Alexis will deserve every last bit of recognition that comes her way because she is JUST THAT GOOD. This gal was put on this earth to design women's clothing. Period.
So, when Alexis invited me to her Trunk Show at Stripe last week I was so excited to come by and show my support. I brought my camera (but didn't have any of my usual arsenal of equipment, and I really regretted not having my trusty reflector with me to be honest) and was able to steal her away for under ten minutes. I wanted to grab some headshots for her to use on her Etsy site/blog and/or any other kind of marketing/promotional material she would need as she begins her successful journey into the fashion world. We went in the alleyway right next to Stripe and then in the actual doorway of the store. We were never more than just a few yards away from the show and worked FAST. Like I said, the entire shoot took less than ten minutes, and that includes moving furniture around! HA!
As you will clearly see from the images, Lexi is about as stunningly beautiful as they come. She is also incredibly comfortable and a real natural in front of the camera. She understands her body and with very little direction from me was able to channel her inner Heidi Klum! I gave her some basic pointers on how to position herself and made adjustments here and there but the rest was ALL Alexis. She is amazing. Oh, and did I fail to mention that she is a mother of three young girls????? Yeah. Impressive.
Alexis, congratulations on all your well deserved success thus far and I hope you realize it is just the beginning of a long, happy journey for your and your creations! I am SO proud of you!! Go Lexi! :)
She was, of course, wearing a custom designed Made By Lex dress. Gorgeous. The girl AND the dress.
I have always felt like my heart belongs to fashion photography so who knows what the future holds.... anything is possible. :)
