Friday, January 4, 2013 Nasty Gals In The Wild: Kava Gorna
(photo by Brandon Harman)
Sensuality can get real creepy real quick, but photographer Kava Gorna knows how to keep it beautiful, finding just the right bit of bizarre for balance. She’s previously worked for Vogue, i-D, Nylon, Rolling Stone and a bunch of others you’ve definitely heard about… and when she shot this fierce series for us with El Grace, she said they were aiming to take advantage of being in New York City at night in Chinatown. “Which can be a little mysterious and strange,” Kava tells us. While on Bayard Street in front of a restaurant, she says, everyone who was eating dinner got really amped about the shoot “and tried to take photos with their phones through the window. It was really funny because shoots happen in New York City all the time, and I rarely see New Yorkers being so excited.” Well, after checking out these photos, you’ll probably understand what had them so riled up…
Styling by Meaghan Mullaney, hair & makeup by John Mckay @defacto
What was it like working with El Grace?
It was really great to meet her… she has a very inquisitive and fearless nature. Shooting with her seemed like a real collaboration, as well as with the stylist Meaghan, and Jonnie, who did the hair and makeup. We all seemed to be on the same page during the shoot and that’s always fun.
What types of situations and people do you like to shoot in general?
I love shooting various subjects and people, on location, from personalities and portraits to fashion stories. I think I am always interested in seeking out something hidden and secret from my subjects though, while making them feel really comfortable doing it.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Intimate and honest.
How would you describe your personal style? Does it change when you’re going out?
I like to keep it pretty casual. Working as a photographer I often find that I am more interested in expressing myself through my photography, so my personal style is pretty minimal. I’m a devoted jeans and t-shirt girl, usually a vintage t-shirt and overpriced jeans. I only like wearing heels, ever, even when I shoot.
Music obsessions right now?
I get pretty obsessed with music—for the past month I have been listening to Jessie Ware’s “Wildest Moments,” Parquet Courts’ “Stoned and Starving,” Austra’s “Beat and the Pulse” (Still Going Remix), Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle,” Major Lazer’s “Get Free” (feat. Amber of Dirty Projectors) and I also have been listening to Dazing pretty nonstop in the last month.
What are you working on now? What’s next?
I’m about to take off for Jamaica for a little fashion shoot that I’m very excited about, and then I have a project in Miami that I think will be really amazing. Possibly I’ll go to LA before the end of the month. I love traveling and shooting in warm locations, and come winter it’s always nice to get out of New York.
Friday, November 2, 2012 Nasty Gals In The Wild: Shining Star Abigail Bean
Gushing genuine sweetness, confidence and passion, filmmaker Abigail Bean is the girl you want to hop in the car with and leap into any adventure. She’s driven by fantasy, inspiring cinematic daydreams… We get the feeling we’d end up on the edge of town with her, looking down on all the lights, chewing gum and making bold wishes under the stars. Underlining her smart, feminine style that’s a little Sandra Dee, a little David Bowie, are some real secrets—even though she’ll never tell what they are.
She’s worked on some legendary films, including Into the Wild, The Black Dahlia, and The Runaways. And her own work—including a video for Fatal Jamz—has premiered on VICE and IFC. We instantly picked up on her talent and got her on board to document our glittery, goblin-y Nasty Ghoul party.
Ever ambitious, she’s constantly writing her own scripts and making experimental short films, usually starring her friends, pets, and crushes. Right now she’s finishing a 16mm documentary called Far Out Angels, which focuses on the art and music of three Los Angeles-based female musicians. “I make films about danger, love, power, beauty and everything else in between,” Abigail says. “I’m interested in those experiences and feelings that can change you in an instant, like a lightning bolt.”
A super visual person, she says, ”Over the summer I was really inspired by the glamazons of the late 80s, and the girls from the Roxy Music album covers. But now that fall is here and winter is around the corner, I’m feeling like I want to be more demure and lady-like in a Nastassja Kinski, Catherine Deneuve kind of way.”
She says she’s “really attracted to a wild, sensual glamour and a Paris, Texas kind of look,” and that’s why her Nasty Gal picks spoke to her. ”I really like the idea of wearing lingerie during the day in an elegant way–maybe that’s the Madonna in me?” And though inspired by conjured reality, she’s got a little bit of practicality in her, too: “The velvet oxfords are great for wearing on set, tramping gracefully, while still looking fashionable.” Good thing she’s got her priorities in place!
Now Showing: Abigail's Favorite Picks
Golden Hour Sequin Dress
Lifting Me Crop Jacket
Twiggy Shades
Fleur Lace Bustier
Rosie Silk Peplum Dress
Emma Thigh Highs
Truncate Crop Knit
Nita Velvet Oxford
Friday, October 26, 2012 Nasty Gals In The Wild: Behind Kat Borchart’s Lens
Our latest lookbook goes for Baroque with all kinds of shiny, decorative, romantic, spangly things and we have the legendary Cha Cha Lounge and photographer Kat Borchart to thank for it. She’s an LA-born and based photographer who lives in a bunker-style studio in Los Feliz with her black cat Cash. Here, she tells us about her life behind the lens…
“I’ve been shooting for about five years and I’m drawn to making imagery that is energetic, colorful and natural. The best thing about my job is all the road trips I get to take–this year alone I’ve done Palm Springs, Big Bear, Joshua Tree, and Las Vegas for different projects. I have a great team I work with often and they make the time on the road the most fun, to the point where it never even feels like work.
“Because I’m constantly hoofing around LA for production things, my style is pretty low-key. I tend to gravitate toward basics but when I’m going out at night I love the random piece that makes the outfit stand out: a super bright color, red lipstick, bold print or statement accessory. Otherwise, a daily uniform is a good pair of high-waisted denim (so my booty doesn’t show when bending over!) and some breathable t-shirts–they’re really the best for all types of locations. (See my Nasty Gal choices below!)
“My biggest thing lately has been shooting Polaroids with my new Fuji 210. It satisfies my photo tech side by having more controls than your average Polaroid but it’s obviously portable so I’ve been taking it everywhere, and it’s fun to pass around when going out. I took some on our Cha Cha shoot, too. Speaking of which, HUGE thanks to the guys at the Cha Cha Lounge for letting us take over their crazy awesome bar. It’s been my watering hole since heading into the Silverlake area a couple of years ago, and it provided the perfect backdrop of kooky art and fun games to occupy us for a full day.”
Shop Kat's Nasty Gal Picks
Electric Rose Skinny Jeans
Studly Combat Boot
Sydney Knit
Madrid Wool Hat
Juicy Fruit Muscle Tee
Crystallized Chain Bag
The Kink High-Rise Jean
Skulltini Loafer
Monday, September 24, 2012 Nasty Gals In The Wild: This or That (or That!)
Our super versatile (and popular) Chizu skirt has a three-way with blogger Dominique of Style2Bones. She holds on to Summer in a denim bustier, concha belt, and exaggerated wooden platforms…
Acts out a Western with a real-deal cowgirl hat and boxy knit…
And keeps it cool in a tied-up tee, cap, and cut-out combats.
We can’t decide which we like best. Can you?
Thursday, September 6, 2012 Nasty Gals In The Wild: Meet Cassie!
With perfectly tousled hair and the cutest freckles ever, it’s hard not to instantly fall in love with our vintage model Cassie. We ended up having such a blast hanging out with the OC babe that we had to get the scoop on what she’s up to when she’s not rocking out with us in the studio.
Astrological sign:
Pisces
If I could live in any era, It’d be…
I love living in the present!
My style icons…
Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Candice Swanepoel, to name a few. Their outfits are usually pretty simple, but they always look flawless.
I can’t get enough…
New shoes are definitely my weakness!
Three things in my closet I couldn’t live without…
A distressed tee, jeans, and my black boots.
Best advice I’ve ever received…
That I will achieve the things I really want by working really hard for them. I will never forget this advice. Ever.
Shop Cassie's Nasty Gal Picks
Satisfaction Dress
Solitaire Platform Pump
Beach Club Blazer
Targee Fringe Pump
Skulltini Loafer
Hellcat Shades
ASCII Leather Moto Jacket
Braided Wool Hat