Category Archive for Portland Oregon
Art Nouveau Disco Goth! Rebelicious Magazine cover: Angelica Brigade hair flowers, Vaute Couture dresses.
While I was in Portland, I did something special… I shot a cover and spread for Rebelicious Magazine! It’s an honor to be the face of their winter issue, which came out today.
There’s more happy news: my Budapest travel video and slideshow are published here on Business Insider, and the reaction is huge — 150,000 views and counting! I hope you’ll take a minute to watch, and that you’ll enjoy the photos below.
My team and I took these images in Portland, Oregon, mainly around Steel Bridge. I love shooting outdoors in different cities, as I feel these types of photos best convey the feeling of a place.
All of the magazine photography is by Melissa Rundle and Eric Bergemann, who are also my travel filmmakers. So far, we’ve filmed in Budapest, Maldives, Mexico, Hawaii, Belgrade and more! (You can see all videos on my YouTube channel.)
First Mate Naomi Rubin took behind-the-scenes and additional photos, which I’ll share in an upcoming post.
Aren’t these velvet dresses adorable? They were lent to me by Vaute Couture, an eco-conscious and vegan fashion label. The latest collection is inspired by Sailor Moon — the Jpop colors and cute cuts were a perfect fit for me.
You can purchase this Kristina dress, a Constellation dress and more from Vaute Couture’s website.
My silk flower hair accessories were created by hand, by Angelica Brigade.
The accessories can be pinned or clipped on, and arranged in any way — including stacking them to make a flower crown. Angelica Brigade customized the colors to match my new hair!
Speaking of — my mermaid hair color is the work of Stephanie Hoy of Avant Garde Hair in Vancouver. The ombre effect is a combination of turquoise, blue and dark purple.
My coat is a disco-pimp dream, isn’t it? It’s vintage Alan Cherry (Toronto designer brand), from Portland store Hattie’s. Once I saw the long white leather panels and faux-fur trim, I had to have it.
The cut-out black boots are Yosuke, from Marui One Shinjuku
My makeup is 100% Annabelle Cosmetics, a Canadian company. I’ve been wearing them the entire time in Portland.
As you might know, I’m a big fan of Art Nouveau, and wanted to do a shoot inspired by this aesthetic.
My take on the dreamy, floral world of the Mucha ladies. (Remember when I saw his Art Nouveau exhibit in Tokyo?)
It’s an honor to shoot for Rebelicious Magazine, a publication “for girly girls in a brutal world.” They celebrate alternative style, underground culture and individuality — all things I stand for.
The winter issue features an interview with me, so you’ll have to pick up Rebelicious Magazine here for the full scoop!
Which of the two outfits do you prefer? It’s fun to switch up my wardrobe, in order to match my ever-changing hair color.
No animals were harmed to make this faux fur scarf. I got it at Holt Renfrew.
Here is the shot that ended up being the magazine cover.
The back of my Vaute Couture dress has a cut-out star.
Portland’s autumn colors were too gorgeous not to shoot.
Lens flare is always welcome, especially when it reflects teal like my dress.
Thanks to Rebelicious Mag and my team for this wonderful project.
For behind-the-scenes shots, jump over to Rebelicious’ Facebook page. Don’t forget to read my interview and order a copy of this issue.
PS: My Budapest travel video is released! Watch as I visit hipster bars, rock out at a surreal music festival, and taste Hungarian food. I hope the Mission Impossible running scene makes you smile.
See my shenanigans above and on Business Insider. Thanks to all of you, for making my creative pursuits possible.
SHARE & COMMENT
Alternative Portland Halloween: Steep & Thorny underground party, Besaw’s restaurant.
T-minus 10 seconds… to Halloween partying in Portland!
Every year, I try to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve in a big way. This time, my pirate crew dined on pumpkin, then ventured to a warehouse club filled with contortionists, fire-dancers and Almond Joys. Read on for the spooky story.
On October 31, Besaw’s Restaurant invited us to dinner. The waiters were dressed to impress, and invited customers to take part in an Instagram costume contest. Earlier that day, two robot-aliens took over the bar and won the popular vote.
Besaw’s (2301 NW Savier St.) is a popular downtown Portland restaurant, specializing in Pacific Northwest fine dining. That night, we were well-taken care of by an anime bunny and Wednesday Addams.
The building dates back to the 19th century. Wonder if the vampire and witch were the original inhabitants.
I discovered a new favorite cocktail: Bourbon, lime, ginger beer. My outrageous astronaut costume is from J Valentine Catalog, and my makeup is Annabelle (here are tons more space-girl outfit photos).
Our feast began with pumpkin fritters and spiced creme fraiche — perfection. I continued with butternut squash lasagna, made from organic and local ingredients. (First Mate Naomi is wearing a Cab Calloway ghost costume, which she made herself!)
We finished with two of the best desserts in recent memory: pumpkin cheesecake, and spicy gingerbread served warm with honey, roasted pears and vanilla ice cream.
Countdown, 3… 2… 1… let’s party! We were guests at The steep and thorny way to heaven (2nd and Hawthorne under the bridge by the waterfront). This is a semi-private underground party, meaning you have to RSVP or know someone to attend.
Organizer Myrrh bought this small warehouse space, and has regular events here with his friends. Expect surreal costumes and performances, and imaginative theme drinks. (I’m holding “The Pumpkin King,” made from my beloved pumpkin puree, ginger liqueur, aromatic bitters.)
The one-room venue alternated between dancing, music, and haunting theatrical performances. Above, Myrrh plays guitar and sings his original dark, reflective songs.
A contortionist joined him on-stage. Can’t wait to show you the video footage of her moves.
Some of the performances will leave your jaw hanging — such as this cheeky burlesque-like dance by a giant Almond Joy bar!
Such a variety of acts, like three girls who sang Medieval and Renaissance songs a-cappella.
A fire dancer heated up the room, accompanied by pulsing music.
Love the movements that Naomi captured in these no-flash images.
Finally, a fusion belly dancer twirled and raged with a sword on her head.
But perhaps the best performance of all was the impromptu one… where filmmaker Melissa played tricks on a sleeping victim! (Photos by me, Melissa Rundle and Naomi Rubin.)
Look for upcoming Steep & Thorny event announcements, including pirate karaoke, on their Facebook page. A must-see party, when you come to Portland (and not many locals know about it)!
Are you enjoying my Spooky PDX costumes so far? Isn’t this a terrific city for the offbeat?
PS: I’m in the land of earless robot cats (aka Tokyo) right now. Follow along my adventures on Twitter and Instagram.
LA CARMINA
