We are still on cloud nine and beyond grateful for the amazing response to the cupcakeMAG fall issue featuring Bethenny Frankel. Comments and questions have been pouring in and the resounding theme is how to “get the look.” Today, I am taking you behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse into our 24 hour NY experience and revealing some bonus photos from the shoot!
Most of us have no idea what it takes to capture a great cover. You’ve heard the saying “there’s no I in team,” excellence begins with a collaboration of talent. Casi, Skye and I worked closely with Carrie and Bethenny’s team to ensure every detail was covered. We started with vision, creative direction, planning, lots of planning, and finally execution. As art director and senior stylist, my role was to consistently bring the vision to life through creative elements.
Being a fashion stylist, this was a pinch me kind of day! I mean how many times do you get to wardrobe Bethenny Frankel! After weeks of emails, calls, wardrobe and accessory pulls, I was thrilled to meet Julia Kitziger, Bethenny’s personal stylist and we got right to work editing.
Some of my favorite looks were the basics, jeans and a cozy sweater, sweatpants lounging with Cookie. The media draws our attention to celebrities in the lime light, photographed on the town, appearing at events and award shows. We wanted to highlight every facet of Bethenny’s life through different styles, relatable to our readers. Nothing was forced, rather effortless and relaxed.
Obviously when your celeb status like Bethenny you have access to the top designers in the fashion industry. Finding a cover dress that would look designer, keep true to the vision and be affordable was my mission! The Danita Sheath had it all! I immediately called my friend Colleen at the Chicago Athropologie. I held my breath as Bethenny stepped in the dress and within seconds realized it fit like a glove. The perfect cover dress! (#styledbyahndea tip – shape is everything, find your best shapes).
No wardrobe is complete without hair and makeup, or what we like to call the GLAM TEAM. When I found out who we would be working with, I am pretty sure there was a squeal or 2. Being a fan of both of their work, we were in for a treat. I envisioned Bethenny’s hair soft with natural body, a bit fuller than we usually see it. This would allow for quick hair changes throughout the shoot. Dominick Pucciarello was a master stylist and perfectly executed the looks all day. If only I was famous so he could do my hair on the daily! Brilliant! (#styledbyahndea tip: tutorial for tousled wavy hair)
Makeup can be bold, edgy, romantic, fresh, the options are endless. I was instantly captivated by Kristofer Buckle. Not only does his portfolio include every cover in the world, but his face is literally flawless. After several hilarious selfies, I shared the vision, and he simply said “I got you.” Obviously, he nailed it and you can too! Kristopher just launched his very own makeup line featuring the same Luminous Tinted Lip Balm he used on Bethenny. Get it now at COSTCO!
Finally, we were ready to begin the shoot which brings us to our photographer, NY resident Sara Kerens. As if you couldn’t tell, she is a natural talent behind the camera. Her portfolio includes some of best in fashion, Anthropologie, EllE, and Free People to name a few. We pulled an all nighter discussing concept, shot list, and locations with bud light lime and peanut M&M’s in hand. Instant friends for sure. The day went off without a hitch. We even managed to have lunch together as a team in the center of the penthouse suite at the Gansesvoort Hotel, Park Avenue.
Walking the streets of NY with our entourage was exciting, but not nearly as excited as I was seeing Bethenny in this amazing kelley green Alice + Olivia party dress adorned with a custom neckpiece I designed for her. We ended the day with a selfie, one that I will never forget.
Wardrobe Labels // cupcakeMAG
Custom feather and beaded neckpiece // ahndea may, mayd
Graphite 3 stone ring // Rach B Jewelry
Photography // Sara Kerens
Glam // Dominick Pucciarello & Kristofer Buckle
ALL of these looks are incredible, Ahndea and Team! Thank you so much for including me!!