Editorial: MN natives style "Our Own Light" (NSFW)

It's a well-known fact that New York City is populated with a legion of former Minneapolitans who are shaking things up. Two such people are hairstylist Kelsy Osterman and illustrator/fashion designer Gina Schiappacasse, who just had their gorgeous shoot with photographer Corey Hayes picked up by a new magazine out of Boston called Spirited. Take a peek at the (NSFW) spread:

Local inspiration: muses and lenses

The best in local street fashion, portrait and fashion photography from local muses and lenses, gathered via Twitter, Facebook and blog uploads from the past week.

Burlesque star Tomahawk Tassels wishes everyone a happy 4th!

Trnds.com style blogger Corey Tenold gets into the American spirit.

Vision model Diane Johnson has a patriotic moment. (Photo: Jake Freeman. Hair & makeup: Amber Brenke.)

Photographer Emily Utne shows off her new red 'do Marlee Southam at HAUS Salon.

Former Minneapolitan model Lilija Umbrazunaite gets her closeup courtesy of L.A. photographer Gregory Moore.

Minneapolis ex-pat/photographer Benjamin Fredrickson poses in a dress by Theyskens' Theory and boots by Louis Vuitton.

Artist Jaime Carrera shoots fashion designer/arts curator Emma Berg wearing a ruffled skirt by Max Lohrbach.

Sam Nong captures arts writer Joan Erakit through closed doors.

Dirty Hair Halo style blogger Shannon Licari gets her Creepers on.

Ellen Dahl Lawson of The Minneapoline spots a stylish shopper outside of June resale designer boutique in Uptown.

METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan rocks a romper from Mighty Swell Vintage.

Joan Erakit highlights the candy-colored style of Secrets Fashion Agency PR director Davee Ek.

Eliesa Johnson discovers a new muse named Michelle. (Hair & makeup: Amber Brenke.)

Photographer Amy Gee follows the light.

Dirty Hair Halo's Shannon Licari styles Ignite model Rikki Roath, sans pants. (Click here for more photos. Photo by Mark Meyer, makeup by Julie Lam, hair by Emmy Ngo.)

Fashion illustrator/stylist (and Minnesota native) Gina Schiappacasse shares a photo from an NYC shoot with Corey Hayes also featuring hair by former Minneapolitan Kelsy Osterman. (iPhone photo: Alexis Convento Headdress; model: Marla Phelan; makeup and styling: Gina Schiappacasse.)

Gina Schiappacasse illustrates Kevin Kramp

New York-based fashion illustrator Gina Schiappacasse just posted a series of illustrations based on photographs of the knitwear of award-winning local designer Kevin Kramp. Schiappacasse (who happens to be a Minnesota native) says, "I was turned on to him by a few other Minnesotans in the Big Apple and was instantly captivated by his exquisite use of shape and texture."

Local style blogger story in this week's Vita.mn: The cover art

The lovely cover art for this week's issue of Vita.mn on local style bloggers is by Minnesota native, New York-based fashion illustrator Gina Schiappacasse. (Oh, and I wrote the cover story.)

Here are her original covers, including one that didn't make it to stands:




And the online art:

Catching up with Eclecticoiffeur's Kelsy and Di

[Photo by Corey Melton]

I just ran across some lovely images that happened to be styled by my former business partners and collaborators in Eclecticoiffeur, hairstylist Kelsy Osterman and makeup artist Di Medlock, who have since both made the move to New York. Kelsy has been busy working at Cutler Salon, assisting on major editorial spreads, and working New York and Miami Fashion Weeks (not to mention the occasional visit to Courtney Love's hotel to do her hair.) Di has been working and traveling for Exhale Mind Body Spa, overseeing the waxing department across the U.S.

The lovely shoot features fashion and accessories by New York-based Gina Schiappacasse, also a fashion illustrator who is originally from Minneapolis herself. The shoot was done on NYU Mews Street back in July and was featured on Schiappacasse's blog.




Photos: Corey Melton
Designer (Dress and Headress): Gina Schiappacasse
Hair: Kelsy Osterman
Makeup: Di Medlock
Model: Yena Kim