Summer in Winter - Photoshoot (Part 2)

As a relatively new Seattle "transplant" I always consider myself unbelievably lucky to have found my new home in Queen Anne. Extremely walkable, filled with cozy cafes, boutiques, it was already a dream come true to have found it, when a new French bakery opened last year - "Le Reve". It quickly became the place to meet for lunch, or just coffee - though usually one cannot be satisfied with coffee alone and is tempted by their incredible selection of desserts. So I was very fortunate when the very friendly owner of "Le Reve" graciously agreed for us to shoot Joanna Morgan Designs Spring/Summer collection there. The space is filled with light, European ambiance lending itself to the "upscale bohemian" vibe we were going for. Mind you, outside it was your usual January in Seattle grey, rainy afternoon...

In this part of the photoshoot Natalie was wearing a dress from Bri Seeley Designs "Illumination" collection - a perfect look for summer. You get the feeling that this beautiful girl came to "Le Reve" for brunch and is waiting for her friends, possibly eyeing some cute guys at the next table. Again Amanda's talent shines in this session, and Natalie looks positively radiant. My jewelry adds the pop of color in dreamy blues, off-whites, and greens.

I dream of summer!

Amanda and Natalie at "Le Reve" shooting Joanna Morgan Designs Summer Collection; on Natalie - Wardrobe: Bri Seeley Designs; Hair: Matthew Lawrence; Make-up: Liz Kiss

Summer in Winter - Photoshoot (Part One)

We had a full, very busy day yesterday at Joanna Morgan Designs. We started at what seemed like a break of dawn - but really at 8:30 AM - with grey wintry Seattle skies outside. With two collections of jewelry to photograph - Spring/Summer, and new designs for the Signature collection, we had to get cracking! Photoshoots are never a simple affair - with weeks of planning, lining up other professionals, coordinating schedules, and, let's not forget, designing a new collection :) Nevertheless yesterday went smoothly, without a hitch! The energy, creativity, and talent of everyone involved made it happen!

Here is my "dream team": from the left my photographer Amanda Waltman, my hair-stylist Matthew Lawrence, our gorgeous model and the "face" of the latest collection - Natalie, and my make-up artist Liz Kiss. Not pictured here: Bri Seeley, whose fashion was the perfect addition to my vision for the 'shoot.

And here are some behind the scenes takes:

Matt and Natalie - hair time!

Liz getting ready to work her magic

Amanda who always dedicates herself to the task fully - climbing on a stack of phonebooks, getting down on the floor, bending into all possible directions - for the best picture

Summer in Winter Photoshoot Part Two coming soon!

Best Friends

Being a designer I've accumulated a pretty serious collection of jewelry - mostly pieces that I created myself. The majority of my designs have sprung out of necessity - I needed a new accessory for a party, a black-tie occasion, or just to complement a new outfit. But in spite of having so many choices, most days I turn to my most trusted pieces - a pair of pearl hoop earings, a simple bangle, and a heavy statement ring. My watch, a wedding band, and my grandmother's engagement ring complete the look.

What are your most trusted pieces of jewelry you wear each day?

Pictured here: "Smart & Beautiful" earrings and bangle, "Flaunt" ring - all by Joanna Morgan Designs

Down Memory Lane

As I was writing my previous post - A Fashion Dilemma and a Very Eco-Chic Solution - I couldn't help but drift down memory lane just a bit. I was thinking about my Grandmother, how beautiful, strong, and elegant she was. Then Christmas came and with it more memories, thoughts about those who are no longer with us - as it always is. Out came the photo albums and old, old family pictures, saved over decades, through wars, occupations, regimes, finally arriving on the West Coast of the USA... Who would have ever imagined that? Anyway - I found this photograph of my Grandparents. So young, just married, with no worries (the last World War hadn't started yet). My Grandma wearing one of her fur collars, impossibly chic in a little hat, carrying a clutch. My Grandpa looking dashing in a hat and a long coat I still remember (I used to hide in it, it was lined in fur, so warm and fluffy inside). I am so glad I found this little memory of my Grandparents, what a lovely image!