Pixels- Norman Shoerner

German born, London based photographer Norman Shoerner has focused on photography and filmmaking through the majority of his life, and it seems to have paid off. The beginning of his career was spent experimenting with layered images and digital post production which led to works with the NY Times, Another Magazine and Vogue. He has an extensive list of ad campaigns including ones for Prada, Commes de Garcons, Swarovski, Lacoste and Shiseido. He published a book of his work entitled The Order of Things in 2002, and contributed to five books, including Conde Nast's Beauty in Vogue. Above, one of his images for a spread in Chinese Vogue with Brazilian model Julianna Imai.

xo

MosaMuse

Tinted Glow- Hollis Wakeema

Hollis Wakeema stepped on the stage in 2005, signing with Vision in NY and Ford in Europe. Now with Trunp and Why Not, MosaMuse ponders why Hollis' image isn't as recognizable as it should be. Her unique look has uprooted her from Memphis Tennessee to the Big Apple, and on the cat walks of Tracey Reese, DVF, Marc Jacobs, and Vivienne Tam among others. She has had a brief stint as a catalogue model for Nordstroms as well as Paul and Joe for Target. With a cover for Japanese Luire and a national ad campaign for Paul Smith, we're convinced shes made her name in the industry. Shes appeared in Numero and V magazine (above, by Sebastian Kim). Although she has seen a lot of success, its important for her to find her niche... or make own all her own.

xo

MosaMuse

Worldview- Carlos Dias

Sao Paulo artist Carlos Dias began his career as a graffiti artist, and has since evolved to using acrylics and latex and making a range of art from picture frames to toys. Hes personally inspired by escaping boredom, and has used troubled times in his life (like jail time) as a personal and artistic rebirth. He told Juxtapoz Art and Culture Magazine, that he was rejected from art school in school because he "used to put all his rage in painting [his] school stuff" Now married, the Sao Paulo native looks to travel to France to pursue the next phase in his artistic career. We're waiting to see what he draws up next.

xo

MosaMuse

Update- Vogue's May Issue

Photograph by Steven Meisel. Courtesy of NYTimes.com

The New York Times recently released info that Vogue's May issue features a story on photographer Steven Meisel with an accompanying photo is of him in a barber shop surrounded by the models whose career he helped launch. (umm...a must read!) This issue's release comes around the same time as the Costume Institutes's "The Model as Muse" exhibit. Its only fitting that we cover this exhibit. Its kinda like it was made just for MosaMuse.  Whose going??

Circus- BAM BAM

With the whole natural/organic kick, its kinda inevitable to think we're reverting back to the Flintstones. Giambattista Valli did it perfectly with this simple Wilma-inspired dress and necklace duo in his Spring 2009 collection. We simply love the necklace, with its bone strung appeal. The necklace is a great throw on that maintains its casual, organic appeal while up-ing any basic look. Statement jewelry is all the rage this season and is definitely a plus for any basic look. Plus, we're in a recession and its so much easier to spend on a necklace than a dress.

xo

MosaMuse

Pink- Summer Curls

Hair Milk by Carol's Daughter was voted 'Best Natural Wonder" by Sephora in 2008. Made with the essential oil of lemongrass, Hair Milk was created to stimulate natural oil production. Lemongrass is known to stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. I found this to be a good product for girls who aim to control the bounce and shine of their curls in the summer, while limiting dullness. This bottle can be found at Sephora for $12, but if you would love the true calming experience of beauty shopping, you could travel to Carol's Daughter's NY location. This is definitely a must have mane tamer for humid days. Try it out and tell me what you think...

xo

MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- Andre Leon Talley

The larger than life, Andre Leon Talley towers over the fashion industry. The current Editor at Large for Vogue magazine was raised in Durham, North Carolina by his grandmother who he says introduced him to an extravagant lifestyle. And an extravaganza he is... his six foot seven inch frame is often adorn in crocs, furs, sequins, and more recently... turbans. But how can you not love him? Many argue his article in Vogue is the only one worth reading... and I personally wonder who is still reading it anyway?  With his masters degree from Brown University, Talley began his career in fashion with WWD, and he later met Diana Vreeland at the Costume Institute who brought him to Vogue. At Vogue he began as a fashion news director, then the creative director until taking over his current title as Editor in Large. He had a brief stint at W as Paris fashion Editor. Andre Leon Talley won Eugenia Shepard Award by the CFDA in 2003 for fashion journalism. He is a MosaMuse favorite and definitely a person who has legendary status. 

xo 

MosaMuse 

Hidden- Darcy Miro

Sculptor turn jeweler Darcy Miro uses recycled gold and other metals for her collection. Previously known for her installations and sculptors, her jewelery line maintains the same love for the earth. Darcy Miro uniquely reflects the natural elements of the earth, giving attention to minut details, interesting shapes and natural elements. The photo above shows a cuff photographed by Devon Jarvis, courtesy of Elle Magazine. 

xo

MosaMuse

Update- There's More Than One... And They CAN Work Together

Oh how pathetic it was to highlight Dunn's remarks that she was able to work with other black models. Dunn's comment wasn't ill-fitting, yet the attention placed on it was. It was as if she was hailed for being able to share. The black vs. black drama is played. Its not because the girls are unable to get along, its because the industry does not allow for too much diversity so the amount work for models of color is small. Instead of focusing on the model's ability to headline with another model of color, lets look at the industry's inability to be more diverse. But stepping off my soapbox, something really interesting is brewing from the Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez camp. I have a feeling these girls are working on a top cover together! It was in their tweets.. on the same day... same excitement... same cover shoot? I think, YES. I can't wait.

xo

MosaMuse

Fresh Face- Atong Arjok

Meet the new girl. Atong Arjok's first landed a beauty campaign with Sephora. She has since walked for Phillip Lim (twice), DVF, Alexandre Herchcovitch and closed the Yeohlee show. She's American born, signed to Trump Agency, with international appeal, Atong has had a successful few years in the business. She was picked up by INC, Kenneth Cole, and Converse for their ad campaigns. Shes appeared in TRACE magazine, Allure, and Italian Vogue (above, 3rd in line photographed by Steven Klein). How far do you think she'll go?

xo

MosaMuse

Collision- Marc Jacobs + Steve Shaw + Fishsticks + That Girl Again

Oh goodness, its that girl again! As if we haven't had enough of her these past months. Kanye has me begging for Alexis back. But instead, Marc cleverly places Amber Rose's... well, you know... in the ad for Kanye's new sneakers for LV. Creative Director of LV, Marc Jacobs hired photographer Steve Shaw (who MosaMuse hearts) for the shoot. Even though he has cover shots with Rosario Dawson (hot) and Paris Hilton (blah), I would definitely note this as Shaw's big break. I would say Shaw is kind of known for off-centered shots and his classy, yet textured, scenery. I'll be honest with you all, I'm in the biggest love/hate relationship with this Kanye/Amber Rose duo. I just don't know. I'm living in a sea of periwinkle ambiguity. Can you help me out? Please. Save me from It, and It's...well, you know.

xo

MosaMuse

P.S. I secretly love this ad tremendously.... Its genius... but ssshhhh. 

Destined- Rosie Huntington

This picture of Rosie Huntington was taken by Michael Thompson for Italian Vogue. The British model is no stranger to editorials, appearing in 10 in 5 years. Rosie was also the face of ad campaigns for Victoria's Secret, DKNY and BCBG Max Azria. Looks like a promising start to a fun career.

xo

MosaMuse

Circus- Adina Forizs

Adina Forizs signed with IMG in 2007 and has since had a steady career that was kicked off with an opening strut down Prada's Milan show. One month later she appeared in French Vogue and later was photographed by Miles Aldridge for Numero (above). Famous for a pout, and what we consider a Scarlett Johansson-like look, Adina has walked for Rodarte, Anna Sui, Marc by MJ, and Proenza Schouler (to name a few). She also falls into the "model but no dummy" category, which has been highlighted by a few magazines, because her passion for architecture and languages. Regardless of her abilities, we love this shot.

xo

MosaMuse

Red Sole- Simon Costin

The picture above is the set of a fashion shoot designed by Simon Costin. Just imagine a girl in a red dress and black gloves popping off of the page. Dope concept, right? Well Costin did it. I designed this blog for you to see talents that aren't already celebrated. Set designers are a vital element to any photo shoot, but I bet you can't name any of them. At least now you know Costin, who has had an interesting history is fashion, first working in jewelry then moving to set design then to who knows. All I know is that his form of self expression is not only interesting, but completely innovative and insightful. I'll keep searching for more like these for you... 

xo

MosaMuse

Polaroids- Chad Pitman

Photographer Chad Pitman is a MosaMuse favorite. With ad campaigns with Bloomingdales, DVF, Loreal and Victoria's Secret, Pitman is establishing himself in the business. You can also see his fashion spreads in Another Magazine, ID, Pop, V, W and GQ. Instead of capturing a single second in his photography, Pitman's still photography somehow manages to capture subtle motion in most of his work. Elongating time, Pitman's interesting style is here to stay. (photo by Pitman, of course)

xo

MosaMuse

Fresh Face- Karmen Pedaru

Signed by Next Models in 2006, Karmen Pedaru started her career walking for Emperio Armani and Marni. She kept stepping with shows for Louis Vuitton in Paris, and Phillip Lim, Donna Karen and Marc Jacobs to name a few. Two years into her career, Models.com and Style.com both list the Estonian born Karmen as a rising star and with editorials in Numero, Chinese Vogue, V, Muse and British Vogue, its hard to disagree. Shes currently the new face of Missoni. She has been photographed (above) by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello, and her resume suggests she will have many more biting at her stilettos.

xo

MosaMuse 

Tinted Glow- Brooklyn

Down where an underpass connects the 3 and L trains, Brooklyn's scenery screams for poetic attention- as much as it hurts it pleases. Its previously been untapped and it currently wants more. The high street style just fits here. Cotterel captures MosaMuse's favorite Syreeta Lockett, thus bringing fashion to what many may consider fashionably ignored...so how does this work so seamlessly? Its needed. And its time. MosaMuse is here to provide. 

xo

MosaMuse

Pink- Pimp Skins

I love when animals are on my feet and bags. From prints to skins, animals are in danger. One of my favorite things are skins (faux recommended) as accessories. They add another dimension to your outfit. The texture, the pattern, and the luxe all take a simple casual to a stunning fashionable look. For some reason, I personally feel like they can pull any outfit together, even if its not a direct match. The prints can also take you through any season which is always a plus for any accessory. I'm not advocating the harm of animals by any means, from Stella to TopShop- the faux version is offered. Above, Model Yasmin Warsame tries out the look. We approve.

xo

MosaMuse

Collision- Going Green + Fashion

So naturally beautiful. Vicki Turbeville's Southwestern jewelry has been seen in the pages of Elle, an we understand why. This inlaid shell pendant is the perfect balance of nature and glam. She promises 100% authentic hand made Native American jewelry and she aims to please by offering to repair any jewelry she sells. These Southwestern treasures are perfect for city life.

xo

MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- Vogue Cover

I wish the magazine would flashback to its original eras with illustrations on the cover. This 1931 cover was illustrated by Eduaro Garcia Benito for Vogue's "Christmas Issue". Benito is famous for his jazz images. With fashion trends beginning to lead back into the jazz era, this art deco design is one for inspiration. Conde Nast has an online store where you can buy these images, along with others from Vanity Fair. Benito's Christmas illustration is selling for over $500. Visit www.condenaststore.com. 

xo

MosaMuse

Hidden- Rahan Cotterel

He can't lose because hes not playing their game to begin with. Rahan Cotterel is just a little different, and that's exactly what we like. Documenting memories on a Hasselblad 500c 6x6 square medium format camera, he brings the rawness back to photography. Cotterel aims to capture real life. With a style he self-describes as "Hip Hop", Rahan wants to bring a new perspective to fashion, music and photography. He definitely has our support.

xo

MosaMuse

Worldview- The British are Coming

It feels like its been a century since Topshop's opening was first announced. Just what we need, another shop to make sure everyone wears the same thing. As if summer isn't already filled with enough 'i know where she got that' items. But no matter how bitter I may sound (due to the forever wait) I'm going! Although I may not be first, because I'm anticipating a line due to the fact that so few of us actually have a job now a days. I'm definitely getting there before the rest of you go on lunch. Ha. Have fun with the leftover graphic tees...

xo

MosaMuse