Alexander Selig’s Illusions Cosmetics Campaign is Stunning…
“Ever since I’ve been really young, I’ve had a knack for knowing fashion,” says Alex Selig.
Over the past three months, the Temple University graphic design major has created a faux makeup campaign for Illusions Cosmetics. The campaign was initially intended to simply serve as his senior project, but quickly transformed into a work of art itself.
“I knew I wanted to create a piece I was proud of, and something I could use after college. I also wanted to do something where I could incorporate photography and design skills,” Selig said. “A makeup company was the perfect match.”
Selig scoured the internet for a cosmetics line with the potential to be a staple in the makeup industry and found Illusions Cosmetics. “[The project] was about revamping [something],” Selig said. “I found the Illusions makeup website, and it was terrible. If I were a chick, I’d block that website.”
The next challenge involved finding the right face that can compliment a wide array of makeup styles, while complimenting the intricacies of each look.
“I wanted a fresh face,” Selig said. “Makeup is all about being youthful.”
After considering several models, the photographer decided to use his younger sister Zoe Selig. “She’s incredible at makeup so we collaborated really well,” Selig said.
Each partner in the dynamic duo brought a unique skill set. Zoe had the makeup expertise, and Alex had the vision for what the makeup line could be.
The photo series started out with a photo of Zoe wearing a modern take on ancient Egyptian queens. Someone mentioned to Selig that his sister resembled Egypt, and the time period piece came to life.
The time period theme allowed Selig to demonstrate the versatility of the makeup line in addition to his skill set, without having one overshadow the other. Being detail oriented, he drew inspiration from photos taken during the time period, created a color palate, and used makeup ideas from his sister to create eight makeup looks, each completely different from the next.
“I wanted to include bright colors to draw attention and any aspect that would pop off the shelves,” Selig said. The series is incredibly artistic, but his goal was to use his vision to remarket the makeup as a brand with a solid identity.
Using a simple colored background and a similar photo composition for each head-shot, Selig created eight very unique looks that compliment each other.
After devoting his life to the project for three months, Selig couldn’t pick a favorite photo. “There are little features I love about each one,” Selig said. “All the little touches make each one different from another, so that’s why it’s so hard to choose a favorite.”
After scrolling through the campaign, I was convinced that it was an actual product line he designed. After finding out it was his senior project, I was even more impressed that he used that level of detail, but Selig treated the project as if it were an actual re-branding campaign.
“People want perfection, and if they don’t see it in the campaign, they’ll question the quality of [your product],” Selig said.
What To Do This Weekend
Far from your average clothing swap, the extra “Rama” is a series of DIY workshops in which locals can explore easy, creative and sustainable ways to upcycle used clothing and textiles. Here’s how it works: while not mandatory, those who come with at least a bag of unwanted clothing will save $10 on admission and once all the donations have been collected, everyone will get to dive into the massive pile of gently worn treasures like wild (yet courteous) scavengers. Finally, skilled local artists will help Swappers work their creative mojo and revamp their new duds. You can spruce up a boring tee with a screen-printed image with Candy Depew of the Philly-based silk-screen studio, school and showroom, Candy-Coated or with a simpler version of designer Nicole Rae Styer’s unique embellishments. Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean and the crafty folks of Handmade Philly will even show you how to transform an article of clothing into a one-of-a-kind accessory. Saturday, 12pm. $10-$20. @ Broad Street Ministry (315 S. Broad St.)
Spring 2012 Art Star Craft Bazaar
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Art Star has hand selected over 140 local and national artists to set up shop and sell their wares outside at Penn’s Landing for the spring edition of their beloved art fair/craft show. Basically, anything and everything you can think of and then some. Some local vendors to keep an eye out for: exit343 design, Concrete Polish, Black Heart Letterpress, BirdQueen Designs and Bob Dix Illustration. Going through the long list of vendors, I’m going to be on the look out for Moonlight Bindery, Spread The Love and Inedible Jewelry. As usual, there will also be live music from local bands, vegan/vegetarian friendly food and interactive art demos like sculpting/mold making with The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym and recycled crafts with NL Arts. Saturday, 11am-6pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free. The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing (Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St.)
Breaking Away: 2012 Fashion Show
This annual fashion extravaganza in conjunction with Moore College’s commencement celebrations will feature 28 innovative senior collections as well as designs by junior and sophomore students of the college’s acclaimed fashion design department. The showcased designs include swimwear, bridal, childrenswear, menswear, sportswear and last but not least, eveningwear. The theme “Breaking Away” is specifically for the senior eveningwear finale. There will also be a closing reception for “Emerging Artists and Designers,” featuring the best work from their senior students in fine art, graphic design, illustration, interior design photography and textile design. So come out and help congratulate the Class of 2012 Who knows—you may wind up discovering America’s next big designer before everyone else. Saturday, 8pm. $25. @Moore College, Aviator Park (20th & Ben Franklin Pkwy.)
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair
While fine art might be a bit of a snooze-fest, fine crafts are a whole different story. For their signature premiere fair, the PA Guild of Craftsmen has invited 140 of its finest crafts artists to pile into Rittenhouse Square this weekend and showcase/sell their exceptional one-of-a-kind creations. We’re talking everything from handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing and contemporary furniture to functional and decorative pottery, limited edition photography and fine porcelain. Will these items be pricey? You betcha! But there’s sure to be some affordable pieces. Either way, everything else is guaranteed to be worth the price. Fri.-Sat., 11am-7pm. Sun., 11am-5pm. Free. @ Rittenhouse Square
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift (and somehow PW Style’s incredibly awesome and comprehensive Mother’s Day Gift Guide didn’t help), why not just mom out to the KOP Mall so she can pick out something herself? While there, be sure to stop into Free People where they’ll offering complimentary tea, coffee and other refreshments as well as a free flowers for the mommas (unless you show up late). You may want to also grab something for yourself since you’ll receive an exclusive soy candle by Candles with Love with a purchase of $250. Sunday, 11am-6pm. Free @ Free People, King of Prussia Mall (452 Mall Blvd.)
Great Gifts For Any Mom…
Ok, maybe you’re mother isn’t super chic, quirky, professional or free-spirited. Maybe she’s just a little bit of all those things. Regardless, she deserves an above-average gift.
So to officially conclude our Mother’s Day Gift Guide, here’s a slew of thoughtful treasures perfect for pretty much every type of mom other there…
Art Institute Student Creates An Award-Winning Wedding Gown
The Art Institute of Philadelphia is swarming with talented young people and Adriana Maria is one of them.
Currently enrolled in the Institute’s Fashion Design Program, Adriana officially made a name for herself last month having won Philadelphia Wedding’s “Sew in Love Fashion Showcase. Philadelphia Wedding, a publication of Philadelphia Magazine, asked design students to create a one-of-a-kind wedding gown that cost under $500. The dresses, refereed by Fashion Icon Nicole Miller, Project Runway winner Jay McCarroll, Danielle from Bridals by Danielle, Pattie Lamantia from The Wedding Shop, Mary Dougherty from MKDA Agency, Danielle Hoysa from Bridal Garden and Philadelphia Wedding’s Editor-in-Chief, Carrie Danny, were judged in three categories including creativity, execution, and emotional response.
Having been deemed the best of 21 entries (all from five local design schools including, Drexel, University of Delaware, Philadelphia University, and Moore College of Design), Adriana not only will have her dress (pictured left) featured in the Fall/Winter 2013 issue of Philadelphia Wedding, but the budding new designer also won the chance to work closely with the Bridals by Danielle owner on her brand new eveningwear line.
Making the competition even more exciting, 50 percent of ticket proceeds from the April 20th reception event went to the non-profit organization, Wish Upon A Wedding, which provides wedding renewals for couples who face life-threatening illnesses.
Great job, Adriana!
~Michelle Mass
Gifts For The Working Mom
If your mom is a nine-five gal who’s always on the go, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts sure to appeal to her professional side.
The Cody d’Orsay
The search hasn’t been a vigorous one, but I have found my perfect shoe for this summer- maybe even for life, because, and believe me when I say, I am in l-o-v-e.
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| As seen on The Man Repeller |
Say hello to the Cody d’Orsay heel by 3.1 Phillip Lim. The shoe, with it’s minimally designed chunky heel and ankle strap, has such a sleek but fun aesthetic and would match any outfit effortlessly. In addition to the clear, the shoe comes in a splendid bunch of variations like camel, textured black leather, metallic silver and more. Similar to the PS1 decision-making-process-fantasy I often ponder, I don’t know which pair I’d choose. At a starting price of $595, I don’t see why I just don’t buy them all.
Seriously though- if I could, I would, and it would be so worth it.
Gifts For The ‘All-Natural’ Mom…
If your mother uses the word “organic” almost every time you talk to her, has tried to get you into yoga or has lectured you about the importance of recycling, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts she’s likely to appreciate…
Something New To Do With Your Instagram Pics…
While I’m not one of those obsessive Instagrammers who literally see the world through potential Instagram pics, I do appreciate any technology that can transform an otherwise uninteresting photo into a work of art with the click of a button.
Even better, now your instant masterpieces don’t just have to live and die on your phone—they can be transformed into an awesome piece of décor.
Using digitally printed versions of your favorite Instagram shots, Stitchagram (aka. brother/sister team Dou and Rachel Pfeffer from Washington, DC) will create a custom, 100 percent handmade throw pillow.
Once on their site, all you have to do is log into your Instagram account, choose from one of two layout designs then drag and drop your desired photos into the designated spaces.
Each of the 15 inch pillows come with a soft and fluffy removable insert and the back is a dark navy color with an envelope-style closure. Though normally $94.50 (plus shipping), right now they’re having a spring sale, offering folks their awesome creations for just $64. Not only are the pillows likely to last long after you inevitably drop your iPhone into a toilet, but they would make a really great, deceivingly thoughtful gift.
I’m already picturing one on my couch.
What To Do This Weekend
Kembrel has teamed up with Temple Advertising Club to host an intro to silk-screening workshop all day today on Temple’s campus. Participants will get to choose from comfy and colorful tops as well as skirts and shorts by American Apparel then pick a design by a local artist and print it themselves right on the spot. You’ll also get 20 percent off your new custom merch. Friday, 11am-4pm. Free. @ Temple Student Center (1755 N. 13th St.)
Tonight, Arcadia Boutique will be kicking off a three-day trunk show featuring two of their favorite lines, Feral Childe and Kelly Lane. Shoppers can sip on sangria and get first dibs on the designers’ past and present sustainable collections tonight at Arcadia’s Rittenhouse location. Then, on Saturday, they’ll be packing everything up and moving it to their NoLibs shop. Both designers have some really fun styles in store for spring. Lane’s collection is inspired by the nostalgia of summer camp with a custom cloud and canoe prints while Childe’s aquatic-themed collection is marked by easy-to-wear pieces and a sophisticated color pallet ranging from bold coral to seablue. Fri., 5-8pm. Sat., 11am-6pm. Sun., 12-5pm. Free. @ Arcadia Boutique (819 N. 2nd St. & 265 S. 20th St.)
Tomorrow, nine beloved NoLibs boutiques will be taking their merch outdoors, offering locals a chance to take in some fresh air while taking advantage of some serious discounts, promotions and refreshments. Both Arcadia and Art Star will have sale racks and tables with markdowns up to 75 percent off (75 PERCENT!). Arcadia will even be sweetening the deal with complimentary spiked lemonade. The other participating boutiques: Millésimé, Duke & Winston, Once Worn, Concrete Polish, Casa Papel, SWAG and Bloom. The event will be going down rain or shine so there’s really no excuse for you not to go and check it out. I can promise you won’t regret it. Saturday, 11am-7pm. Free. @ Along N. 2nd St. between Spring Garden St. & Girard Ave.
Still on the prowl for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Well then make your way from NoLibs to South Philly where Crafty Balboa will have 45 artists and crafters to come and sell their wares in conjunction with Flavors of the Avenue. In fact, along Passyunk Ave., you’ll find a slew of things going on—from live music and kid’s activities to a sprinkling of other vendors. Saturday, 11am-5pm. Free. @ The Singing Fountain (Tasker St. & E. Passyunk Ave.)
The Philadelphia Antiques Show
If you think antiques are just for old folks who put plastic over their couch, then clearly you know nothing about interior design. Recognized as the longest running and most prestigious antiques show in the U.S, the PAS offers a massive collection of diverse furnishings and decorative arts, even for the contemporary American home. This year’s show features two exciting new elements: “Antiques in Bloom,” a juried flower exhibit that pairs local floral designers with leading antiques dealers and “Designer Rooms” showcasing innovative home decorating concepts. There will also be various lectures held each day as well as a boutique offering a wide selection of gift items, including stationary, jewelry and scarves. Saturday-Tuesday.Various times. $17. @ The Convention Center (1101 Arch St.)
Beth Shak ‘Shoes r Forever’ Launch Party
Photo: justluxe.com
Hi, my name is Michelle and I am addicted to shoes. Flats, sneakers, boots, heels, peep-toe platforms–pretty much any stylish form of footwear will work me up into a frenzy.
My obsession was more than satisfied last night at the Beth Shak ‘Shoes r Forever’ Launch Party at PNK Elephant Boutique on South Street. Beth, known for her professional poker playing skills as well as her uncanny beauty, adores shoes so much that she decided to hang up her playing cards and make a new-found career out of it. Owning roughly 1200 pairs of designer shoes (700 of them being Christian Louboutin’s), the mother of three has recently piqued the interest of the media, scoring her very own reality show which is set to air on VH1. Beth’s new Web site serves as an outlet for fellow shoe enthusiasts, specifically those with a shared appreciation for designers like Walter Steiger, Manolo Blahnik, Mark Schwartz and of course, Louboutin.
ShoesRForever.com contains links to Celebrity Style, Sales, Beth’s Picks and my personal favorite, Streetwalker where people can submit pictures of some of the crazy shoes they see walking on the streets of Philly.
I recommend you check out some of pictures from the event below then immediately proceed to the site.
~Michelle Mass
