The #ProjectScouted Shoelaced Clothing fashion show sets the trend at The Factory Café

Fashion may change daily, but Shoelaced Clothing has proven that style is eternal. The Shoelaced Clothing fashion show, a highlight in the #ProjectScouted calendar, took place on Saturday night at The Factory Café in Glenwood and pulled out all the stops once again to show that Durban is not falling behind in any way.

Ryan Francis, designer of the label, was the man of the evening as all his dedication and hard work came to fruition as the stunning #ProjectScouted ladies walked the range, specially designed for them, and captivated the huge audience that turned up for the show. Before the show, amidst the madness of hair, makeup, and rehearsals, one would never have said that this relaxed guy with his easy smile was busy preparing for a major showcase. “There's no stress, hey. We've all put in a lot of hard work but it’s all worth it. I know it’s going to be an awesome show!” he said. And it certainly was.

The Factory Café is one of those few Durban spots that manage to transition from a chilled daytime hangout to a metropolitan night time hotspot. Having chosen the venue for its uniquely urban atmosphere, Ryan also wanted to honour one of the great artists who had marked the space with his work. He said, “The café having one of Pastelheart's pieces here definitely played a role in us choosing the venue. He was a historic Durban artist.” Shoelaced Clothing is also the first label to host a fashion show at The Factory Café and having now set the standard, it will not be the last.

With his inspiration for the line stemming from the Black Fashion movement, Ryan focussed his attention on the dramatic and the striking in his pieces. The breathtaking makeup, done by the talented budding artists, and some established graduates, of Make-up theCollege, was futuristic and on trend as seen at the recent Tokyo Fashion Week. Ryan's designs paired with gorgeous custom-made Becca Blair bags accessorizing the girls' looks, these elements put together created an edgy, daring and magnetic line-up. The special surprise appearance of the Brissett Twins, ambassadors of the Shoelaced brand, also created quite the stir and added a new dimension to show. An even bigger surprise, one that no doubt did not get noticed by many, was the front row visit from the only Durban based judge in project; Shelley Ferreira. Shelley used the opportunity to get a closer look at the top 20 before helping to decide which 1- move on. 

Owner of the college, the lovely Jacqui Bannerman also stopped by to show her support to her girls and to offer a little advice here and there, “This is the best kind of practical work our students can do. Being at a show like this exposes them to the working world of make-up and that's why we're so enthusiastic about being involved in the Project again this year”, she said.

With Just Green, our Project DJ, and Ryan Rockwell on the decks; the Firmin Twins, two of our scouts and also uber talented musicians serenading the audience; and the fantastic services of Cathy Vere owner of Hedgehog Party Services enhancing the venue with her professional and perceptive touch; this was a night to remember. Mithesh of Sound Solutions supplying the Sound and lighting that provided that professional finish rounded up a night to remember. The skilled videographers Mdumisi Nxele, Robbie Muller, and Brittany Hurrell were also there capturing the hype of the day that ran from a 10AM call-time for the Project ladies and crew to 11PM when the party ended. And, of course, our awesome photographers – Roy Esterhuysen, Simphiwe Mkhwanazi, Jerome Stoffels, Nilufer Yucel, Dalton Green, and Zaheera Engar – were all over the show getting you those behind-the-scenes shots.

Nothing is impossible when the right mixture of elements is combined. The Shoelaced Clothing fashion show is testament to that. It’s going to be extremely difficult for our judges to eliminate 10 of these lovely ladies, but this is where the best are separated from the good. But having reached here, these girls now have an experience of a lifetime already along with beautiful images to recall every moment by.

Behind the scenes images used here are from Roy Esterhuysen. More images can be seen on his facebook page and also the facebook page of Simphiwe Mkhwanazi. 

The first video done by Mdumisi of MEL Media & Productions can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/125405325 

Surprise, surprise! #ProjectScouted introduces the wildcard entry

Something that has never been done in a Lee Folkard Photography Project before is going to shake things up immensely this year in Cycle 2 of #ProjectScouted. For the first time, there will be a chance for one of the eliminated girls to re-enter the Project as a “wildcard” entry and have another chance to prove her mettle. Ryan Francis, owner of Shoelaced Clothing, and an integral part in choosing the wildcard entry, tells us more about the process below.

Lee Folkard Photography: This is something completely different for the Project. Why was the wildcard entry introduced?
Ryan Francis: The "wildcard" entry was introduced to give an opportunity to one girl to re-enter the Project. However, it's not just an ordinary call-back to take part in the Project again. It’s a special call-back at the most exciting time of the Project (even if I say so myself!), which is the Shoelaced Clothing fashion show. In my past experience in #ProjectScouted, sometimes girls have an "off day" and don't get to truly show their true and full potential. So this year we will change that. This year the girl that stayed involved in the Project once she was eliminated could stand a chance to be called back to give it a second try.

LFP: How many girls will be selected?
Ryan: Only one girl will be selected!

LFP: What do girls have to do in order to stand a chance of being selected as the wildcard entry?
Ryan: Like, Comment, Share!!! The girl that stays the most active on social media, helping to promote #ProjectScouted will be chosen as the wildcard entry. By all means, even attend upcoming phases.

LFP: Who will be choosing the wildcard entry and how will the girls be judged?
Ryan: I, as designer of Shoelaced Clothing, will be keeping a close eye on all girls that have been eliminated from the Project while keeping the above criteria in mind.

LFP: When will the fashion show take place?
Ryan: Phase Six – Saturday, 18^th April 2015

LFP: Whet the girls' appetite a bit... What do you have planned for the fashion show this year?
Ryan: Hahaha! Well, the girls this year will be sharing the ramp with two amazingly talented professional male models and brand ambassadors of Shoelaced Clothing.

LFP: Any final pieces of advice for the girls or last words about the wildcard entry?
Ryan: Fight for it because it’s worth it! Shoelaced Clothing is a young, unique clothing brand that is all about empowering and supporting local talent. And being a part of this amazing movement is priceless.

Well girls, there is no reason to lose hope! By following Ryan’s advice, your #ProjectScouted journey can continue even after you may think it is over. We wish all the stunning young ladies the best!

Shoelaced Clothing by Ryan Francis – An official sponsor of #ProjectScouted

Shoelaced Clothing has been a loyal and favourite sponsor for Lee Folkard Photography's Projects. This year he also happens to feature as a scout in #ProjectScouted. Headed and owned by Ryan Francis; a husband and father of three kids, Shoelaced Clothing is a fresh, edgy and daring brand. Ryan is always at the top of his game and this home-grown Durban boy is bringing that A-game to #ProjectScouted this year.

 Here's our Q&A session with the designer:

Lee Folkard Photography: What was your inspiration to become a designer and how did you start off?

Ryan: I have always had a great love and passion for designing and wanted to be a part of the fashion industry from a very young age. I've always loved expressing who I am and my personality through designing and creating clothing. I later found that by doing this I was also inspiring other people to be creative and unique too. So I decided to launch my own brand in 2011, Shoelaced Clothing, which has grown amazingly over the last few years.

LFP: How did you become involved in Project Scouted and what motivated you to be a part of it?

Ryan: The concept behind Project Scouted is one I live for, something I believe in and try to live by everyday through Shoelaced Clothing – and that is taking art to the next level. I believe that everybody has that special something about them but not all of us are brave enough to show it. Not all of us are willing to take the chance or the risk to go out and get what we love or do what we love. So I try to be that person that helps others by inspiring them to unlock that potential through my designing. I try to show people that no matter who you are or what your circumstances are, you can achieve your goals. I'm a passionate person that believes that if you don't try you will never know. So that's why I'm a part of a Lee Folkard Photography Project for the second time; because I believe in it.

LFP: Which designer's work do you admire or inspires you and why?

Ryan: I don't really have a favourite; I just love all designers and all creative, passionate people that love doing what they do.

LFP: What is the average day like for you?

Ryan: Coffee, coffee, coffee, meetings, meetings, coffee. And then designing after the sun goes down.

LFP: As a designer, what do you think about only certain looks and body types being portrayed as attractive in the media?

Ryan: I think it’s pretty ridiculous that the media portrays that you have to have a certain look to be attractive. For me it’s simple; fashion is an expression of personality which is something that everybody has and is different from the next person. So express yourself the way you want to, where you want to, and in whatever way you want to, no matter how big or small you think you are. It’s important to be proud of who you are. You may just inspire someone else to do the same!

LFP: If you were a drink, what drink would you be and why?
Ryan: Jack Daniels - with lime & ice. It’s smooth, like me!

Ryan and Shoelaced Clothing made their mark on the project as they hosted Phase Four with a fashion show at SMG Rocks. Those that were there would know that it was a memorable one. 

Images from the show can be seen at: 
Firsthouse Photography
Nilufer Yucel Photography
Street Pulse Photography

P.S. For anyone who hasn’t figured it out yet, Ryan is the one always ‘clowning around’.

Wild Thing with Roxi Richards

"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods;
There is a rapture on the lonely shore;
There is society, where none intrudes,
I love not man the less, but Nature more..."
 
Winner of Project One, Roxi Richards' much anticipated shoot happened yesterday.
A team consisiting of; make-up artist, Jessica Frew ; stylist, Brett Robson ; and myself ; met with Roxi at 08:00. Braving the cold we made the trek of about 30+ minutes carrying all our gear to our starting point.
We had decided to really go wild for our; "Wild Thing" shoot concept.
Sunlight was evident even though the early morning conditions still resulted in an icy chill in the air.
 
 

 
On reaching our desired point of commencement we got going. Make-Up begun and Outfits and Accessories were paired and the shooting started.
 
What followed shows evidence that when a team of people get together with a common purpose - great results follow. I believe this goes for all things in life. Big or small, teamwork and working with nature, not against it - yields positive results.
 
Some pictures from the, "Wild Thing" shoot can be found on my facebook page. Comments are most welcome. Keep checking as within the next few days, more pictures will go up.
 
Once again I would like to thank all involved in the shoot!

The importance of proper undergarments

I read a lot of blogs; photography, fashion, models, art; all things of interest basically.
I came across an interesting article on undergarments worn when doing a shoot or fashion show.
As I have encountered situations whereby the person I was photographing had worn very unflattering underwear - I figured let me share this with you all.

Article by: Rachel Jay | Chicago Modeling Examiner

One of the most common new model mistakes is not having proper undergarments, but proper undergarments are important for all models.



It is rare that a designer wants their garments modeled with visible panty lines, or bra straps showing, and it is rare that a photographer working on a project for a client (or for personal reasons) wants to see the same. Models need to make sure they are fully prepared when it comes to undergarments when they pack for a shoot, even if wardrobe is being provided.

To start, every model should have at the very least a nude thong, a nude bra, and a nude strapless bra, all seamless and properly fitting. Nude undergarments are essentials for modeling and ensure that the wardrobe looks best without a distracting bright color or crazy pattern peeking though. Sometimes, a look calls for that, but more often than not, it's a distraction and majorly takes away from the shot, because it's an amateur mistake (often made on both sides of the camera). Patterned bras and brightly colored panties should be left for lingerie shoots and personal use only.
 
A nude thong is also essential for wardrobe to ensure there are no visible panty lines. In most cases, it is preferable for a garment to hang as seamless as possible, and wearing a properly fitting thong (not one that digs in and causes additional lines at the hip) is essential to keeping undergarment lines to a minimum. And, of course, you want the thong to be nude to make certain no crazy colors or patterns show through.


In addition to a nude thong and the 2 nude bras, a black strapless bra might come in handy. Also, in some cases, the bra-less look might be called for, but a photographer or designer might wish to hide erect nipples. If this is the case, having a pair of reusable silicone pasties is helpful. They are easy to carry and can be tossed in a bag easily, which means they should also be a staple.


Having the proper undergarments, which fit perfect, ensure a model looks her best while modeling. Making sure she has these things is important, especially for new models, because being properly prepared will go a long way to help a new model build a reputation as a professional.