Research Project Editorial: Domestic Nomad

This is my final editorial for my research project of Deconstruction/Reconstruction. The idea behind it is I used clothing in unconventional ways and put together 6 looks using scarves, faux fur, trench coats, jeans, plaid shirts and knit as the 6 main items.

Photography and Styling: Leonard Arceo

Model: Dennis Khay

Research: Modern Nymph

I wanted to recreate the 'Grecian Goddess' image that we already have and modernize her in the 21st Century. I was influenced by statues, especially in nature, and how they are stoic but yet remain feminine, with draped dresses. I also found inspiration in Martin Maison Margiela S/S '11 silhouettes, with extreme boxy shoulders. So I took the two and made a dress for the shoot, using polyester chiffon to achieve the draped look. To make it a lot more natural, I used mud in the hairstyle.

Research: East Indian Deity

the

My inspiration for this shoot were the women in India, and how they decorate themselves in times of festivities. I also did a bit of research on Indian gods, and how they are portrayed with the use of accessories.I took the warmer palette, focusing on golds, oranges, and browns, and focused on using headdresses, necklaces, and bracelets.

Photoshoot: Modern Nymph

Model: Laura

Styling and Photography: Leonard

dress by leonard.

Photoshoot: Harness Madness

Model: Laura

Styling and Photography: Leonard

Hair and Make-up: Lauren Barker

harness by topshop; trench coat worn as pants by banana republic; belt by zara men.

Photoshoot: East Indian Deity

Model: Kathryn
Styling & Photography: Leonard

bracelets from freedom topshop. belly dancing skirt as a turban, stylist's own.

EDITORIAL: A Lonely Warrior

My editorial spread for university around the idea of Metamorphosis. I did it on the imagery of exeskeleton, the fragility combined with hard exterior.

Photography and Styling: Leonard
Model: Ben

underwear by calvin klein; bondage tape by bondara; boots and belts by zara men; sandals and necklace from h&m; tights and tee shirts from american apparel; all other accessories by leonard.

Editorial Shoot: Exoskeleton 1

This is a preview of my editorial 'A Lonely Warrior'.

Model: Ben
Styling and Photography: Leonard

Say Hello to Her.

This is a shoot inspired by Japanese folklore ghost. 

Model: Mei
Photography and Styling: Leonard

Dazed & Confused Mock Cover: A Hairy Situation.

Model: Mei
Styling and Photography: Leonard

Commercial Shoot: Morning After.

This is a commercial shoot, in the style of Elle magazine.

Styling and Photography: Leonard

Model: Susie

trench coat by h&m; shirt by zara; shoes, model's own.

Inspiration: Bondage

From Dazed & Confused.

i-D: Cover Shot

A mock cover shot I did in Photography/Styling class, in the style of i-D magazine.

Model: Sanaz

Styling and Photography: Leonard

Mock Cover: Vogue

A Mock Cover I did for IT and Styling class.

Model: Sanaz Shekoohi

Styling and Photography: Leonard

dress by topshop.

The Ethnic Fashion Show by Momentum Collective

A styling gig I did last month hosted by Momentum Collective. It was at a very eccentric warehouse-like location in Angel, and it was a fashion show that showcased ethnic aesthetics. It featured designers such as Alex Rodin, Arnab Sengupta, Teodora Colic, Zubair Zirmani and such. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience a fashion show and meet designers.

http://www.ethnicfashionshow.com/

Mock Advert: Marc Jacobs

This was a project I did for uni, we had to make our own advert, and I chose to do a cheeky Marc Jacobs ad. 

Model: Mei

Styling and Photography: Leonard

Fresh: ZARA One-Toe Black Sandal

ZARA. i have nothing else to say. it's been my favorite brand since i moved here to tokyo. it's trendy and affordable, just what people need right now.

i actually contemplated about wether to get this pair or another one from ZARA (actually i was going to buy both), and i somehow let fate choose it for me, and asked my friend to check in the UK if they've got it. so i ended up with this pair.

i LOVE the design of these sandals. i guess simplicity is the word. one-toe, X trap, and an ankle loop. that simple and you come up with a very stylish sandal that can be used as casual and formal at the same time. they may not be the most comfortable thing to wear, but "no pain no gain", aka no looking good. summer is around the corner here in tokyo so i cannot wait to wear them!

ZARA One-toe Black Sandal: 40 pounds or 10,900 yen

Fresh: CHEAP MONDAY ice-wash skinny jeans

CHEAP MONDAY was a brand i discovered about 3-4 years ago when it was "in" for guys to wear skinny jeans. i actually do not remember the first pair i bought, but i know that CM wasn't popular back then (at least in tokyo). when i first discovered a store that sold these swedish jeans, i was hooked. i bought a pair after another. it was like being addicted to coke, minus the health hazards.

anyways i think CM fit me like a condom. its tight in all the right places and it has the right amount of stretch for movement (im talking about the jeans btw). all my CM jeans has been plain, or black or both and this is the first pair that is a bit of a wow-piece in an outfit. it's an ice-wash with a slight blue tint to it. this pair is rather thicker so i won't be wearing these until fall/winter this year but i'm so excited until i can finally rock these.

CHEAP MONDAY jeans: 8,400 yen

PS. People have been asking me where I bought these and i got them at a men's select store in shinjuku called JACKPOT.

Fresh: TOPMAN Gladiator Sandals

you already know how much i love the brand TOPMAN, but i will say it again, it is probably the best thing that ever existed. that and ZARA. and i say this from a perspective of a 2010 young man living in the center of an economic crisis.

so my friend actually got these for me in london (it was cheaper than getting it here in tokyo) and they are too cute. i actually haven't worn them out yet because of the volatile weather condition here but as soon as the sun comes out, BAM, i'll be wearing it every single day.

the sandals are made from soft leather and has a velvet-like sole so they're extra comfortable. i have really skinny ankles so i have to make extra holes but it's tight enough to stay on while walking so you don't have to worry about it slipping off. i'd probably wear these with short khaki shorts or cargo pants and it would be a nice change from my flip-flops in the summer. :]

TOPMAN Gladiator Sandals: 40 pounds or around 10,000 yen

Fresh: TOPMAN Mix Tools Stud

hey y'all. thought i'd post something, although i've been too busy to take photos of the actual items. but my bestest friend who studies in london just came back here to tokyo for the summer and she somewhat felt guilty for not getting me something on my actual birthday (because i sent her a card for hers), so she bought me these studs and a bracelet from TOPMAN.

i love TOPMAN. there's really nothing more to it. i believe in that brand with all the veins in my body. if you don't already shop there, please do. and for girls, i highly recommend the female counterpart, TOPSHOP .

for all of you who don't know, i got my ear pierced about a year ago, and from then on, i've been addicted to collecting studs. i think i have about 20 different ones, and if i could, i would wear them altogether. i think this five fits very well to my collection. this set includes a bolt, a hammer, 2 wrenches, and an ax.

The bracelet she gave me was a woven blue blacelet with silver beads. i will try to take a photo of it sometimes soon cuz i cant find it online. but it matches perfectly with my other beaded topman bracelets which makes me super duper happy. i love presents (getting them of course!)

xL

Topman mix tools studs- 6 pounds. but in japan its about 1,500 yen.