Beauty in a photo release.

Textbook definition of Beauty :

beau·ty n.

1. The quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such properties

as harmony of form or color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality.

2. One that is beautiful, especially a beautiful woman.

3. A quality or feature that is most effective, gratifying, or telling.

I wonder who wrote that, and how long it took that person to 'define' the word beauty?

I also often wonder why we live in a world where the words 'beauty and perfection' can mean the same thing to many people.

One day I was flipping through a magazine and came across an Ad featuring a very beautiful woman wearing practically nothing (ironically she was selling clothing). For a split second I felt a bit insecure. I carefully examined the advertisement. The layout, fonts, the model chosen, how she was framed. I began to wonder why that was deemed beautiful. Why that image suddenly had the power to influence the way I shop, dress, or even worse - influence the way I see myself? Then I had a idea :

I don't want to be a fashion designer when i grow up.

I WANT TO BE A REBEL.

THE FLOCK Apparel was born.

Yes, the look is classic cut and sew. But I appreciate simplicity and comfort.

Yes, the accessories are recycled vintage pieces. That because I believe in reducing and reusing - as well as finding individuality in a one-of-a-kind piece.

And Yes. The models aren't 'models' - because I believe in featuring everyday folks as my models. I want to 'capture the real beauty of the human flock', in the hope that it will redefine the way you see yourself and those around you.

Below are some photos taken at the recent Public Photo Shoot Project, featuring the Real Human Flock.

And this my friends is how I define BEAUTY.

Thank you to all those who have supported this dream. Thank you also for coming out to the Photo Release Party. Sara Renee and I were so happy to see you again!

Lastly I leave you with this : despite our current situations economically, stay encourage my dear friends. Please be rebellious in your pursuit to inject this world with real beauty.

It starts with you.

Now go and shine.

with love.

your pal,

c i g i

yes. your photos are ready...

Letting go of the reigns

Alright I admit, as a business owner I find at times it's difficult for me to let go of creative projects and trust that others are fully capable of taking over for me. However, I learned a valuable lesson recently that I'd like to share with you. As I watch my business grow both professionally and creatively, I become increasingly aware that I CAN NOT DO IT ALL BY MYSELF. I'm realizing that sometimes it's ok to trust and let go of the reigns.

For example: I was recently contact by a young aspiring entrepreneur by the name of Mike Press. Mike was producing a local Fashion Show and asked if THE FLOCK would agree to participate. Although I was overwhelmed with other obligations and projects, I asked my Interns and local fashion students from the Art Institute if they'd be willing to produce THE FLOCK's portion of the show. They were up for the challenge and in less than 48 hours had selected four extremely diverse students to model, had them styled, photographed, and at Luna Lounge in time for the show.

( in a nutshell )

there is strength in numbers,

freshness in new perspectives,

and a privilege to step back and observe future talent at work.

my students make me proud.

those who wander . . . MAE not be lost.

Allow me to introduce you to a very beautiful man :  Dustin Woida

I managed to cross paths with Dustin at the Las Vegas Airport recently. By the look on his face he appeared to be lost (but i'm not too proud to admit that I also wore the same expression). Realizing that we were both wandering we decided it would be best to wander together. During our almost three hour long layover I discovered we had a lot more in common than I had expected. 

*  We both were headed to Charlotte 

*  We both were in the Fashion Industry.

*  We both love God.

And yet again I am not surprised by our meeting one another.  I always seem to be strategically placed in certain situations for a reason. I don't believe in coincidence, which is why this entry is very special to me. I enjoyed meeting Dustin. What a breath of fresh air.  From Charlotte he heads to COSTA RICA, where he will be in production with MAE Bags.

He was gracious to leave me with his personal bag....

M A E    /   Making An Escape 

is an incredible business....with an amazing message and product. 

don't just check them out, SUPPORT THEM. 

http://www.myspace.com/makinganescape

maebags@gmail.com

hot off the press.

CHARLOTTE STYLE MAGAZINE features :  

THE FLOCK + SR Photography  

> >  Read more

Taking it to the streets...

(  W E  )  D I D   I T  !

the public photo shoot project...stay tuned.

SR  +  THE FLOCK  =  S Y N E R G Y

I LOVE MY INTERNS ( ! )

YES. i really do. 

these students are THE FUTURE....and they make me proud.

thanks for all your hard work this week guys. i love each of you dearly.

homeward bound beauty.

Heading home to Charlotte from my mid-week travels. Early flight from TPA and all

cabin lights are dim. I am alert and anxious to be home where creative work awaits me.

I almost swear that the pilot read my thoughts when he gave the  'ok ' to turn on all 

portable electronic devices. I smiled - overflowing with joy as I was able to capture 

this moment in the sky. It only seems right that I share it with you. 

even if it's only in a picture....

' thank you for waking me up this morning God.'     -  C i g i

My friend. Perry Tuttle.

I had the honor to attend my friend Perry Tuttle's book signing this evening. 

He recently debuted his book entitled :

What White People want to know about Black People - but are Afraid to Ask. 

I met Perry and Loretta at a Chamber luncheon last year. Loretta won a 

FLOCK hat in a drawing and Perry's been wearing it ever since. 

I love this family and am blessed to have met them.

Please support the Tuttle Family and purchase your copy of Perry's book today.

Above :  THE GREAT PERRY TUTTLE

UPDATED - Public Photo Shoot Project

TRADE AND TRYON - uptown charlotte

Friday / October 16th / 2009 / 5p – 9p



objective

• Capture a variety of locals from all walks of life.


• Debut latest pieces from THE FLOCK APPAREL


• Debut latest pieces from REVIVAL by the flock apparel


• Bring life and art to the city of Charlotte


• THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX* ( ! )

* an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget. Unexpected and unconventional; consumers are targeted in unexpected places and in unique and creative ways. The idea being marketed is memorable and connects the consumer to a product or service on an emotional level.

the plan

• Shoot 50 models ( not including potential walk by interests )


• All participants are pre-scheduled and pre-selected.


• Participants will have designated ‘time slots’ to be photographed and must arrive 20 minutes prior to being photographed.


• Participants will be required to arrive to the photo shoot site in denim jeans and a white shirt.


• Participants will be required to wear any item from THE FLOCK Apparel collection and/or the REVIVAL collection (by the flock apparel) in their photo.


• Each model will be allotted 5 minutes to shoot 5 frames.


• Models are free to poise or act as they like to reflect their own personal style and individuality. this shoot is about you

NOTE : This is a creative project that reflects the REAL HUMAN FLOCK. Of course we hope to sell product and build brand awareness -- But first and foremost our objective is to promote diversity, creativity, individuality and the freedom of artistic expression. This public photo shoot is not only meant to bring life and art to the city of Charlotte, but to also bring real people together as one.

YOU. ME. US. WE. the flock.

the schedule


3:45p – 4:45p / SET UP

5:00p – 9:15p / SHOOT

9:15p – 9:45p / BREAK DOWN

MODELS ARE TO ARRIVE TO THE SET 20 MINUTES BEFORE THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO SHOOT. THEY WILL NEED TO ARRIVE IN DENIM AND WHITE SHIRT. 20 MINUTES PRIOR TO EACH MODELS PHOTO SESSION, MODEL WILL DO THE FOLLOWING :

• Complete a model release form


• Complete brief survey and info form so that THE FLOCK may feature each model and a brief bio online.


• Select wardrobe


• Brief styling from FLOCK stylists

the models

FINAL LIST

(1) 5:00–5:05  CAREY SIMS

(2) 5:05–5:10 NATHAN & CAYTON

(3) 5:10 – 5:15 HANNAH & MOGIE

(4) 5:15 – 5:20 JOANNA WITHERS

(5) 5:20 – 5:25 IVRY THOMAS 

(6) 5:25 – 5:30 ANTHONY SIMONS

(7) 5:30 – 5:35 KYANA MERRITT

(8) 5:35 – 5:40 MO

(9) 5:40 – 5:45 SPORT E. ODIE

(10) 5:45 – 5:50 JOYAH BULLUCK

(11) 5:50 – 5:55  JAMES KIRKHAM

(12) 5:55 – 6:00 ALEASE MCCLENNINGHAM

(13) 6:00 – 6:05 SHANNON BINNS

(14) 6:05 – 6:10 KATIA ALEXANDER

(15) 6:10 – 6:15 EMILY WYATT

(16) 6:15 – 6:20 SHAWN TUCKER

(17) 6:20 – 6:25  JILL HILTON

(18) 6:25 – 6:30  JEFF GINGRICH 

(19) 6:30 – 6:35 BURTON LANDCASTER

(20) 6:35 – 6:40 WILLIAM J. MORGAN

(21) 6:40 – 6:45 SARA POLLOK

(22) 6:45 – 6:50 MELISSA CAMPBELL

(23) 6:50 – 6:55 RESERVED FOR ASSISTANTS

(24) 6:55 – 7:00 BRIAN BOUWMAN

(25) 7:00 – 7:05 CHRISTOS MELI

(26) 7:05 – 7:10 KRIS BRADLEY

(27) 7:10 – 7:15  TERRI MAC 

(28) 7:15 – 7:20  ANNA & REBEKAH

(29) 7:20 – 7:25 JO JO & BETHANY

(30) 7:25 – 7:30 EMILY RUPAR

(31) 7:30 – 7:35 MONTE WILLIAMS

(32) 7:35 – 7:40 STEPHANIE GENTER

(33) 7:40 – 7:45 JORDAN WIEBLER

(34) 7:45 – 7:50 RESERVED FOR ASSISTANTS

(35) 7:50 – 7:55  KT ROBINSON

(36) 7:55 – 8:00 BEN ROLLINS

(37) 8:00 – 8:05 TIMONTY PARSONS

(38) 8:05 – 8:10 TANYA KALASHNIK

(39) 8:10 – 8:15 KAT KALASHNIK

(40) 8:15 – 8:20 BLAKE EDWARDS & IRA KALASHNIK

(41) 8:20 – 8:25 DAVID 'BUTTER' PARKER

(42) 8:25 – 8:30 DANIEL LANNING

(43) 8:30 – 8:35 CANDICE LANNING

(44) 8:35 – 8:40  LARRY TRAN

(45) 8:40 – 8:45 JESSICA MCDOUGALL

(46) 8:45 – 8:50 DANIEL HILL

(47) 8:50 – 8:55 LUKE & CHARIS HILL

(48) 8:55 – 9:00 APRIL YOUNG

(49) 9:00 – 9:05 CASSANDRA PRATT & CHRISTOPHER

(50) 9:05 – 9:10 JERRY DILLS