Category: Models

December 2017: Old School Shirt Makers New York

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December: 2017

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Lab Session: Text by Kevin Stewart, Copyright 2017

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Sharing your life’s work, your passion, your craft with students opens you up to examining your body of work like a vaulted time capsule newly unearthed. On Tuesday, November 14, 2017 I spoke to a Fashion Photography class at UPenn. The teacher, Tony Ward my friend and colleague, invited me. How could I say no? Our few hours together were broken into three segments; Lecture, Q&A, Student assignment. 

I presented a slice of my work in publishing, explaining a Fashion Directors role and responsibilities to achieve a final photo worthy for public viewing. I emphasized the importance of the photographer selection and ultimately the relationship between the Fashion Director + Photographer and achieving a successful outcome. The students were attentive and interested in the process. Questions proved to me that they saw their role in the craft as needing to be continually open to exploring ideas, techniques and collaboration. 

Then came the fun part for me, hopefully for the students as well, getting to work. I styled the models in my most recent addition to the Old School Shirt Makers New York collection, Roger Charles bow ties and knitwear + fiber art by K. The students were divided into groups, assignments in hand, cameras ready; they went off to make magic happen through the lens. I witnessed several of the students applying what they had been taught. I saw artistic adventure, working with the models, the space, the lighting and using their talents to capture THE shot. Some students were quiet and serious, some were very methodical and a handful were playful and relaxed. There is no right or wrong way, it’s about finding your way. 

My capsule reveals the journey I took and how I did what I did, my way. The students I had the pleasure to speak with and collaborate with have a lifetime to fill up their capsule. I hope their journey leads them to a place where they can reflect back and say, this is who I am and I created this. 

Thank you Tony, my friend, for another experience added to the journey. 

Kevin Stewart 

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Photography by Tony Ward, Copyright 2017.  To access Tony Ward’s fashion portfolio, click here: https://tonyward.com/portfolio/

 

 

 

 

TWS: September 2017

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TWS: September 2017
 

Text by Racquel Ward, Copyright 2017

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Photography by Tony Ward, Copyright 2017

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LOS ANGELES UNKNOWN

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Angelinos live amongst the stars, palm trees, vegan diets, terrible dating and gorgeous people. But if you live in the city the right way, it means to explore the rich history of Hollywood, visit it’s beautiful beaches, eat a myriad of authentic ethnic foods and talk to the characters of the city.

Catalina Island is a good place to start. Yes, there are great restaurants and south of France like beaches, but perhaps one of the most underrated sights to see is the 20th century art deco inspired Catalina Casino. Built and owned by the Wrigley Family, this architectural marvel puts you right back in time to the early days of Hollywood. The island itself is known as the “playground of the stars,” but the casino is where they gathered. Casino means, “gathering place” in Italian, and that’s just what Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and many others did at this decadent Hollywood hot spot.

There is nothing “unknown” about the famous pink wall which houses Paul Smith’s flagship clothing store – mostly because it is one of the most popular places to take a selfie in the United States. If you’re into pop culture and all things Instagram, this is a must-see when you’re shopping on Melrose. It’s a great place to people watch since just about every second of every day you can see people taking snaps at the wall. However, perhaps the most unusual fact about it is that visitors rarely go into the actual store. Go figure.

Let’s not skip over the locals in Venice Beach. The neighborhood is a gentrified mess, but that still has not kept the locals from honoring their stake in the cultural fabric of the area. Keeping the character of Venice alive, 30+ year Angelino residents like Ben Bennett, have made their homes in Venice and do not intend to leave. It is not always appreciated but these guys and gals make the neighborhood what it is despite the presence of Facebook and Snapchat. Next time you see a Venice local, and believe me you’ll know one when you see one, stop and say hi. Ask about their lives, their histories and what makes Venice special to them. This exchange will deepen your understanding and appreciation of one of America’s greatest neighborhoods.

Next time you’re in Los Angeles, explore the city through a different lens. You may be surprised at what you find. But shhhh, don’t tell everybody, for like the oceans and the rain forests, these gems too need protection. Visitors and locals are all stewards of the cultural preciousness of the city.  Happy hunting!

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About The Author: Racquel Ward is a writer and educational therapist living in Los Angeles. She holds a BA in Culture and Media studies and a BFA in Contemporary Music from the New School University – Manhattan, New York. Racquel also holds a Master’s of Science in Teaching. She has been published on ThoughtCatalog and most recently finished her first children’s book entitled: The Boy Who Couldn’t Read.  Available at Amazon.com

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To access additional articles by Racquel Ward for TWS, click here: http://tonywardstudio.com/blog/racquel-ward-60s-back/

 

Studio News: A Passion For Fashion

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Pia Sulau and Rima Ker Keri of Hamburg, Germany

 

 

Photography by Tony Ward, Copyright 2017

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Text by Pia Sulau and Rima Ker Keri, Copyright 2017

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Rima and Pia got to know each other during their studies in the city of Hamburg, Germany. They have completed project work and housework together. Both of them quickly realized that they are a good team and complement each other in a variety of interesting ways. They became fast friends mainly because of their common passion for fashion design. They have now both finished their studies and would like to make a hobby their profession. Rima and Pia, currently are active in the commercial and service sector, and would like to start a professional reboot and of course geared towards the fashion industry. Their business idea is to give fashion blog tips on fashion and styling. You will also find trend patterns as well as key pieces here. Rima and Pia are hoping that their dreams will come true and that their fashion tips will become popular, and that their names create a buzz in the German fashion sector.

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Sittings Editor: Suzaan Talib
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