Press Pen: Love That Keke!

Dear Pennies & Pens,

I believe you all know that I’m also a Publicist/Stylist/Co-Owner of The Network. The Network is a creative talent agency for emerging ethnic artists. We represent models, stylists, make-up artists, designers, and artists by providing them with management, branding, digital/social media marketing, and public relations services.

Back in January, I coordinated a “test shoot” (basically a shoot to build a model’s portfolio) for one of The Network’s models: Kiyauna Kingsberry. The shoot was titled, “Love That Keke” because the shoot truly showcases Kiyauna’s fun and vibrant personality as well as her versatility as a model. Kiyauna can go from fun and happy to edgy and fierce.

@TheNetworkFam Model Kiyauna Kingsberry in Kimbo Dress and k2o by Karen Ko Jewelry
@TheNetworkFam Model Kiyauna Kingsberry in Kimbo Dress and k2o by Karen Ko Jewelry

The shoot was shot by photographer Duc Nguyen who has shot for Ford, Wilhemina, and New York models and I was the Creative Director and Stylist. In the “Love That Keke” editorial, Kiyauna is wearing Kimbo dresses and k2o by Karen Ko jewelry. “Love That Keke” was shot in Washington Heights, NYC on a cold, snowy day in late January. In essence, all the snow in the images is very real and being that Kiyauna was able to shoot in such conditions, she clearly has a strong work ethic for modeling.

@TheNetworkFam Model Kiyauna Kingsberry in Kimbo Dress and k2o by Karen Ko Jewelry
@TheNetworkFam Model Kiyauna Kingsberry in Kimbo Dress and k2o by Karen Ko Jewelry

I absolutely love the way the final pictures came out and I truly believe that Kiyauna will go far as a model. The shoot was an awesome experience and it was great working with both Kiyauna and Duc. We had a blast shooting in the snow! The pictures were shot on Amsterdam between 158th & 159th, on 160th in front of the Duke Ellington School, and on 158th St. As the Creative Director, I wanted to show everyone that fashion editorials can be shot in Washington Heights and look just as amazing and edgy as an editorial shot in a studio or in downtown NYC. As the Stylist, I wanted Kiyauna’s look to be simple, edgy, and chic. Something classy yet sexy. Hopefully, I got it right. Let me know what you think in the comments or tweet me @LoudPen. Also, please check out Kiyauna’s profile on ModelManagement.com for more pictures & info.

And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. 

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2 Comments

  1. Lynn wrote:

    Her facial expression is the same in every photo, just different angles. Her outfits aren’t versatile either, the dresses are very similar.

    Posted 4.10.12 Reply
    • de la Pen wrote:

      Thanks for your comment. I can appreciate constructive criticism so I’ll take your opinion into consideration. However, I would like to note that the response to these photos and this shoot has been positive and supportive. Additionally, as I stated in the post, I’m very pleased with the results of the shoot.

      Sent from my iPhone

      Posted 4.11.12 Reply
de la Pen