Feature: Gina Iannece Meeting The Moment

Portrait of Gina Iannece wearing vintage armor. Photo Tony Ward Studio
Gina Iannece. Vixen.  Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Text by Gina Ianneci, Copyright 2025

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Model: Gina Iannece

Photographer: Tony Ward

Creative Director: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

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Meeting The Moment. A Career in Fashion

In Tony Ward’s “Heroines and Vixens” photo series, I resonate with the duality of strength and allure that defines these women. As someone who has navigated the dynamic world of fashion, I try to embody the resilience and determination of a heroine, while also embracing the bold, confident spirit of a vixen. This series beautifully captures the multifaceted nature of women, reflecting both the power and grace that I strive to bring to my professional and personal life.

My fashion career started in wholesale operations and sales for Nomination Jewelry in the 2001 at the height of their composable charm bracelets popularity in North America.

Next, I had the pleasure of working for the iconic sisters Tish and Snooky, the creators and owners of alternate beauty brand Manic Panic NYC. While managing global sales for key accounts, I traveled to London and
Germany to represent the brand. I also personally negotiated a deal for placement in Sephora stores in the United States.

Because of my success at Manic, I was offered a new position, I went from Punk Rock to Polo. Shifting to a more corporate environment at Jones Apparel Group, working on sales for Oxen Workwear and as the assistant to the VP of Design for Polo Jeans Co, was licensed to Jones at the time. Polo Jeans Co was bought back by Ralph Lauren, and I stayed with the brand transitioning into merchandising. I helped create and launch the brand Denim and Supply by Ralph Lauen, managing men and women’s denim apparel and accessories.

The immense popularity of Denim and Supply led to the end of another Ralph Lauren brand Rugby which ended up leading to layoffs. I lost my job. This is the first time I was laid off and I was devastated. I had developed a love of denim while at Ralph. The different fabrications, weaving and wash techniques, I love all of that. So, I was targeting new roles in denim merchandising and this took me to Giorgio Armani.

I joined that A/X Armani Exchange during a new transformative period for the brand. At the time ,ownership was split between Giorgio Armani corporation and Presidio.  The creative team was attempting to change the brand direction away from the overly embellished “Jersey Shore Vibes.” I was responsible for merchandising, buying and sales for women’s denim and woven’s and  was a part of the team that helped to elevate the assortment and brand back to its 90’s aesthetic.

Unfortunately, this was short lived, and I was laid off again when Armani decided to buy out Presidio as they shifted the merchandising roles to the Italy team. While at A/X, I was responsible for buying and I could see
Ecom taking over retail. Feeling like I wanted a change of direction I started to seek roles in ecommerce, I took an in-between job and eventually landed an opportunity in digital back at Ralph Lauren.

It was a contract freelance position to cover a six-month maternity leave, but I would end up being hired and stayed with the company for four years. There were merchandising aspects to the job, but the primary responsibilities were to manage digital assets to be used for sales and marketing for the Chaps brand. The role grew to include managing operations and Ecom account management. I played a key role in launching Chaps brand apparel accessories and home goods on Amazon, the first RL brand to sell via the platform.

portrait of woman in vintage fighting armor
Gina Iannece. Heroine. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

We reached 2020 and were hit with the Covid 19 Pandemic. Retail stores were shutting their doors. The entire Chaps team in all departments were placed on furlough except me and maybe five others. I continued to manage Ecom accounts and create new content, still traveling to various offices in NY and NJ. I found ways to work with the photo
studio and still adhere to health restrictions. I kept the hustle going. Then one day, I was invited to an MS Teams meeting with the entire team and informed that Ralph had sold Chaps, resulting in immediate layoffs. I was asked to stay until spring 2021.

My most recent position was with Randa Apparel and Accessories. RAA is a private family owned company that has been in business for over one hundred years. They hold licenses for many top brands and produce mostly small leather goods like belts and wallets. I managed operations and sales for their Ecom accounts and marketplace/DTC. I joined as they were starting to move into women’s accessories and facilitated highly successful brand launches for Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Levis, Sam Edleman and Tommy Hilfiger.

But I knew what was coming in 2024, when Randa announced that they would be acquiring Totes and Isotoner. The inevitable restructuring happened, and I was a part of the layoffs. It happened right around the winter holidays when hiring is slower or on hold. So, I began my new job search, started networking, and taking online classes. And I said yes to this chance to be in front of the camera for the first time.

As for this opportunity to be photographed by the TWS team,  even though I sought it out, I was not prepared when Tony Ward asked me to contribute to this project, but I am so happy that I did it.  I decided to meet the moment, and everything just seemed to align perfectly. I started sharing wardrobe ideas with the creative team and Tony shared the background which I absolutely love. Kvaughn had a vision for silver and Anthony Colagreco  found the armor that I ended up wearing. It was giving synchronicity vibes.

The weeks leading up to the shoot were about collaborative preparation. The day of the shoot I was nervous but that quickly turned to excitement by the time Michael Connor finished with me in the makeup chair.  Everyone was professional and encouraging. The studio space was incredible – bright with beautiful wood floors and white walls covered in photos. It felt like being in an RL showroom. The energy was infectious  and I felt seen and heard in the room. This experience was one of the best of my life. I will cherish the memories, images, and the shoes that Kvaughn sourced and gifted to me forever. A week after this photo shoot, I accepted a job offer and am excited to start a new position soon.

Portrait of Gina Iannece by Tony Ward copyright 2025
Gina Iannece. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

About The Author:

Gina Iannece is 48 years old, living in New York.  She is a decades long   Tony Ward Studio fan and first time contributor to this webzine.

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To access additional articles by Gina, link herehttps://tonywardstudio.com/blog/gina-iannece-on-grief-and-hope/

Studio News: Day Rentals Available

Interior photo of the new Tony Ward Studio located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. USA
Tony Ward Studio
Tony Ward Studio South Facing entrance seating area and executive desk
Tony Ward Studio

Tony Ward Studio located at 361-63 Cadwalader Avenue, Elkins Park, Pa. 19027 is available for day rental. The space is suitable for strobe, continuous and available light photography.  The rate to use the facilities is $50.00 per hour with a one hour minimum. Photographers are required to bring their primary gear: that would include cameras, tripods, lighting equipment and backgrounds.  The studio can provide additional equipment support if needed including; light stands, background supports, grip equipment, super salon studio stand, extension cords etc.

Amenities include off street parking, private model dressing room, client lounge, prop shop with tools, full service kitchen and dining facilities. Tony Ward Studio  also offers creative services, art direction, in house hair & makeup artists on an as needed basis. Additional fees will apply for all creative support services, including Tony Ward private photography classes, consultations, portfolio reviews  and tutorials.  Tony Ward is a world famous photographer and former instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. The first international book release on his photography Obsessions was  published by Edition Stemmle, Zurich, Switzerland in 1998 to critical acclaim.

To schedule studio time: contact Tony Ward  at 267-475-0828 or email Tony@TonyWard.com for queries.

photograph of client lounge office at Tony Ward Studio
Client Lounge
Full Service Kitchen at Tony Ward Studio rental
Full Service Kitchen
Model and talent dressing room at Tony Ward Studio rental
Dressing Room
Tony Ward self portrait with available light 2025
Tony Ward. Self Portrait With Available Light.

 

Travel: Last Days at The Plaza Hotel

Fashion photo of tall dutch model wearing gorgeous full length dress with kinky prop
Anna at The Plaza Hotel. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2004

Last Days at The Plaza Hotel

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As We Once Knew It

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Anna and I checked in to the Plaza Hotel on the last day it was to be open in 2004 for several years.  Its mystique would change forever.  I booked one of the iconic rooms to test shoot several dresses designed by a friend in the fashion industry. The style of the clothing was most suitable to the grandeur that exuded history and class.

The Plaza Hotel, perched at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in New York City, is one of the most storied landmarks in hospitality. Since its opening in 1907, the Plaza has stood as a symbol of opulence, hosting world leaders, celebrities, and cultural moments that shaped its legacy. But even icons must evolve, and in the early 2000s, the Plaza underwent a significant transformation that changed its history forever.

When the Plaza opened on October 1, 1907, it redefined luxury. Designed in the French Renaissance style by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the 19-story hotel featured crystal chandeliers, lavish ballrooms, and unparalleled views of Central Park. Its suites catered to royalty, business magnates, and stars of stage and screen, while its Palm Court became synonymous with high society gatherings.

woman seated on bed at Plaza Hotel with underwear showing
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2004

Over the decades, the Plaza became a cultural touchstone, immortalized in literature, film, and television. From its role in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby to its portrayal in Home Alone 2, the hotel remained an enduring symbol of glamour and sophistication.

By the late 20th century, the Plaza faced challenges as newer luxury hotels emerged. Maintenance of the historic building became costly, and ownership changed hands multiple times. In 2004, the Plaza closed its doors for a major redevelopment under its then-owner, El-Ad Properties. The plan was controversial: the iconic hotel would be partially converted into luxury condominiums, with only a portion remaining a hotel.

The decision sparked public outcry, with preservationists and New Yorkers mourning the loss of a beloved institution. Still, the redevelopment moved forward, balancing modern demands with the building’s historic charm.

After a three-year renovation, the Plaza reopened in 2008 with a new identity. Of its 805 original rooms, 282 were transformed into private residences, while 282 remained hotel rooms. The redesign preserved iconic elements, including the Palm Court and the Grand Ballroom, while introducing modern amenities to attract contemporary clientele.

Today, the Plaza Hotel remains a blend of its historic past and modern reinvention. Its transformation in the early 2000s reflects the evolution of New York City itself—a place where tradition and innovation coexist. Though its role has shifted, the Plaza continues to captivate, reminding the world of the enduring allure of Fifth Avenue’s crown jewel.

When I checked out of the hotel the next day a bellman came up to my room with a tearful  eyes.  I asked him what was wrong.  He said, “Ive worked at this place for the last 50 years. It will never be the same.”

beautiful Dutch woman lying on bed at the Plaza Hotel NY
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2004

Venice, California: The Iconic Binoculars Building on Main Street

The Binoculars Building, Venice, California
The Binoculars Building, Venice, California. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

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The Binoculars Building

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Back in the early 1990’s I was working regularly with Art Directors that were employed by Advertising Agencies.  The bigger the agency the larger the potential project for a freelance photographer. Chiat Day was one of those agencies that had cachet and every photographer in the world wanted to work with them. I had the good fortune of being summoned to the New York division of Chiat Day to be offered a peachy  national ad campaign in the early 1990’s and very quickly got to know the location of the LA office.

The building at 340 Main Street in Venice, California, famously adorned with a massive sculpture of binoculars at its entrance, is an architectural and cultural landmark. Known as the “Binoculars Building,” it was designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry in collaboration with Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, who created the distinctive binoculars sculpture. Completed in 1991, this striking structure is a testament to Gehry’s imaginative and unconventional approach to architecture.

The Binoculars Building Venice California
The Binoculars Building. Venice, California. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Initially commissioned by advertising agency Chiat/Day as their headquarters, the Binoculars Building was intended to symbolize the company’s creative spirit and forward-thinking philosophy. The binoculars, which double as a functional entrance to the building, immediately capture attention, blending art with architecture in a way that feels distinctly Californian.

The building itself is a blend of Gehry’s signature deconstructivist style and practical office space design. It consists of three main sections: the binoculars in the center, flanked by two asymmetrical structures with undulating forms and sharp angles. These elements create a dynamic composition that reflects Venice’s eclectic and artistic vibe.

Over the years, the building has transitioned to serve new tenants. In 2011, Google leased the space as part of its Southern California campus, further solidifying the site’s association with innovation and creativity. Today, it stands as a hub for tech and creative professionals, while continuing to attract admirers of its architectural and artistic significance.

The binoculars sculpture itself is more than a decorative feature; it houses a conference room and other interior spaces, showcasing the functional integration of art and architecture. This fusion makes the building an enduring symbol of Venice’s cultural identity, where art, innovation, and community intersect.

As one of Frank Gehry’s most playful works, the Binoculars Building remains a must-see destination in Venice, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to experience its unique blend of creativity and functionality.

Recently during a trip to LA it just so happened that I stayed in an Airbnb just down the street from Chiat Day’s former office.  I was riding along on a bicycle scouting backdrops for a shoot when I came across memory lane.  I must have been in and out of that building multiple times during that time period.  It was great to see that old memory come alive!

The Binoculars Building Venice California
The Binoculars Building. Venice, California. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024