Model Mayhem

This was last spring at the first modeling fundraiser for designer Pilar Macchione to get to Couture Fashion Week in New York. Marcus wanted pictures of his amazing hair he did on me, and I am finally getting around to making this fun little ditty for him...

Location and Host: Marcus Hanish Salon, Downtown San Diego
Makeup: James Overstreet
Designer: Pilar Macchione
Photography: Leo Malevanchik, John Schell and Marcus' asst.
Models: Elsa, Courtney, Sarra, Kristina, Gemma, Cierra, Traelee, Emma, Alma, & Sarah.

Hair Backstage and Onstage

Here is a greatly-produced video showcasing Joseph Anthony and ABBA products (thanks for the gift bags, ABBA!!) as they work magic on us models backstage at New York Couture Fashion Week September 2011 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

The Surreal House of the Future - fashion

Going along with supporting local designers - I did 2 shows in June and October at the amazing house/gallery called The Surreal House of The Future. Ian Ashley and her husband have the most amazing place in a gated community near San Diego State college. And, boy, can they throw a party!! Their house is also an art gallery and it truly is a spectacle. Their parties last all night and they invite all their neighbors so as no complaints are filed. Everyone comes in costume or some theme - I don't even know if I can explain these parties - full of creative, artistic people in wild, absurd costumes, with performance artists, music, food, drink... it goes on and on. The first show I did was for my fellow latino designer Francisco Medavog (hailing from Tijuana) back in June and then for Osbaldo Ahumado in October. Photos courtesy of all participating photographers. Hair and makeup: William William and his Bellus Academy students.

The Surreal House of the Future

My Green Wedding Dress

 Although I have modeled for many, many bridal shows the last few years, I have never been a fan of the white princess wedding ballgown - - no offense to any out there - - if you can't tell by now I am a little unconventional about the whole wedding thing - hehehe.

I saw this Max Azria dress years ago and knew then and there I wanted to get married in it. When a photographer peer asked about shooting together again I excitedly told him I had a fabulous Latina-green (hey! the same green as this blog heheh) dress that I wanted to shoot in. So I threw on some makeup and we did an impromptu photoshoot with natural lighting. I had a blast playing with the layers of it - - the dress is made for movement and, therefore, good for modeling. Thank you, Jeremy of JDelizo Photography. The photos were fun..

These are my favorite unworked photos - only the color and cropping tweaked by me slightly on Picassa - -

Click on slideshow below for more!

My Wedding Dress photoshoot

Speaking of Brides..

On September 21, I was fortunate-enough to model for the prestigious, stunning wedding couture designer Ines Di Santo of Argentina.

I first worked with her last February, I believe - both times modeling for shows put on by boutique M Bride (thanks, Michele!!) in La Jolla who is the only San Diego location that sells her high-end gowns.

I found another wedding blog with wonderful pictures and a write-up that said it all and to save me time since I am so back-blogged I am going to post it.

Thank you and credits to "Bellz and Whistlez" by Janissa M. - -



What better way to start my day at the office by walking into the designated green room where swag bag assembly takes over the boardroom table, models are getting hair and makeup done, stylists scurrying, and accessories, footwear, and jewelry are amongst the piles of organized mess. Like a strong magnetic force, the corner of the room pulls me against my will, and then I find myself surrounded by racks of exquisite haute couture bridal gowns. This must be my heaven ;-). I wish I had my camera to photograph close ups of the meticulous detailing and impeccable craftsmanship. I just could not resist touching and admiring each and every single dress.


For the third year in a row, M Bride of La Jolla hosted their annual fashion show and bridal event at IVY Hotel. Featuring the latest collection by internationally renowned Ines Di Santo, her incredible designs were complemented by the décor done by Kathy Wright & Co. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, the show has gotten bigger and better over time. Animal printed linens, exotic centerpieces, gigantic floral arrangements accented by peacock feathers, all set on IVY’s rooftop during sunset created a fashion forward ambiance. With clear skies and the most killer views of Downtown San Diego, it was a perfect backdrop for what was promised to be an interesting show. With their graceful strides, the models made their way through the crowd as guests were taken by surprise by unexpected escorts. Literally speaking, “golden grooms” escorted the blushing brides. Painted in gold with tribal symbols, donning nothing more than a cheetah printed loincloth, and barefooted, these walking statues split everyone’s attention between their six-packs and the gorgeous gowns.I loved how the models were interactive. They struck poses for me, took photos with guests, answered questions and never allowed for a dull moment. Ms. Di Santo made a personal appearance and both her and her daughter, Veronica, joined this special cocktail reception. Unfortunately, I could not snap a photo of Ms. Di Santo as it’s hotel policy for us employees. But it was a spectacular event indeed, and I hope that you will join me next year!

Retro Elsa

Modeling for quite a few years now I've had my hair and makeup done in many ways. Not all of it works well with my ethnic features (read: my Basque nose and big bedroom eyes). But once in a while the stars align and voila! I come out with something that tickles me pink!

 

This video was shot after modeling bridal gowns all weekend in Orange County. I returned to have dinner at my parents and where I am caught on camera (oh man - I didn't mean to sound bossy - I was being silly) modeling my 1920s 'do and makeup.

Upon returning home to Patrick he broke out his camera like he usually does when I come home full of hair and makeup to shoot some impromptu shots. I love these shots as they remind me of an old picture I've seen of my grandmother Araiza looking as glamorous as possible in the heat and dirt of Mexico posing Hollywood style for the camera = = I obviously got a little bit of flair from her - amidst the modesty we were brought up with heheheh :) I'd also like to thank Patrick for his shots of me - they are fun and show a bright side of me that doesn't shine as often as it used to..
Click on slideshow below for more!

RetroElsa

Macys Runway - part 3

Okay, allow me to point out 2 things on this clip of the Macy's INC Spring Trunk runway show from last May.

1). You may have noticed from the other clips from the same show on this blog that the person recording (mi querida mamma!) kept zooming in on my face - hello!!! When I finally saw these clips months later while trying to empty her camcorder - I exclaimed to her, "Why didn't you get more of my outfits?? Every clip is about my face - the show is about the clothes - not my face... And why not shoot more of the other girls???" Ahhh, it's the thought that counts :)

2). Also note the one girl she DID get footage of (only because the gal was almost always right behind me in the lineup order) was one of the 2 plus-size models from my agency. I want to point out that this is a true plus-size model. She is well proportioned, great face and personality and works a lot, I am sure (although she is a little short - shorter than me, even). When I think of that lame excuse of a size 8 "Plus-Size" Model Whitney who won Cycle 10 on America's Next Top Model - it makes me angry for all the true plus size models out there who represent plus size (which is a size 14 and up - not a size 8!!) It was like Tyra Banks thought she would be real PC by finally letting a plus size gal win - but Whitney was NOT plus size!

okay, I have spoken... good day ya'll :)

Macys Runway - part 2

So what the heck are these short videos of runway? They would be the Macys Spring INC Trunk Show back on my 36th bday in May 2008. I barely got them off the camera a couple months ago and am barely getting them on utube. I find them fun as they are not high-fashion but a good lesson in down-to-earth runway walking - meaning playing to the crowd, having a good time, and being able to have personality - Tyra Banks and Americas Next Top Model fans take note: as she got more established she was able to get away with standing out and having personality instead of 'straight modeling'. In San Diego with most of the runway shows we do here they actually like a lot of personality - which is, incidentally, the biggest reason I get work in shows down here - super tall and super skinny and super young: I am NOT, but personality and being able to 'sell the clothes' - I can do...
Click on slideshow below!

Macys Spring Trunk Show

San Diego Union Tribune Fashion Editorial

Watch behind-the-scenes video below!http://www.video.signonsandiego.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2294161&item_index=1&all=1&sort=NULL

My Aunt Peggy called my parents early this morning to tell them, "Elsa fell out of our paper today"...

Indeed, I am proud to know that our local paper the San Diego Union Tribune lasted long enough to be able to publish the gorgeous Fashion pull-out in today's Sunday paper. Hired along with fellow San Diego Model Management model, the pixie-ish Natalie, we were informed that significant importance was being placed on our pull-out as the paper is going under and they are trying to see if a glossy (not messy ink print) fashion section could help revive it. No pressure, hehehe. :P




With a significant budget allowed on this project we had, not 1, but two UT photographers K.C. Alfred and Chrissy Pascual shooting sometimes simultaneously on the project. Also present was our hair and makeup stylist Emily Holiday from Salon Bordeaux, writer Nina Garin, her editor Michele and various production assistants.

Shot just over a month ago on a sweltering day at the popular boutique Ivy Hotel downtown - we shot in various locations including the rooftop pool bar, the restaurant and the downstairs disco club.

Clothes were all pulled from Bloomingdale's and included Prada, Mahnolo Blanik shoes (my first time modeling those, gay snap to that!) and more. The point was to showcase fashion that can be purchased locally and worn here in beautiful San Diego.

I always appreciate any work and was especially pleased to do an editorial spread as San Diego is a 'print modeling' town more than anything. I either mostly do that or runway.


Many thanks to Nina Garin, from the UT, for her hard work, and for hiring me (and this was before the shoot where we discovered we graduated only a year apart with similar friends back at Bonita Vista High School - go Barons!) and also thanks to my agent Linda Comer - for almost 10 years of managing me here in San Diego - bravi, ladies, bravissimi..

++ The top link is a 3 minute video from the UT online page - where they mentioned Natalie by name but NOT yours truly - poor elsamart hehehe. Hopefully I will be able to scan the actual pictures and publish them here on the blog eventually - I need to find a professional scanning place with a large scanning bed as regular ones won't fit our massive cover and ensuing fashion pictorial...

"Donna Marsh" Grand Opening

This short runway model with Mexican hips blissfully still finds herself working in her mid 30s at some of San Diego's top fashion events. One of my latest was the Grand Opening of the Donna Marsh store in La Jolla on January 22.


More than 150 'must have' designers are featured in the store including: Badgley Mischka, Trina Turk, Tag Jeans, Marc Bower Glamit, Marissa Bartelli, and a mind boggling spread of unique jewelry, purses and more.
  It rained but it did not damper anyone's spirits. They actually closed the street of Fay Avenue for 1 block and set up a large white tent a la Fashion Week. With great lighting, a great runway, great food and cocktails - a party of 200 invitees was ready to start!
  Already culling a lot of fashionista buzz with her store in Palm Desert, this evening sealed the deal marking Donna Marsh as the 'go to' place to shop for San Diego's well dressed (especially since Saks Fifth Avenue closed in La Jolla).


  I loved the set-up for the evening and was pleased to 'walk' with some fellow model gal friends from my agency. I still do not know how it is that I work, and if you saw me in college at a size 12, with unplucked eyebrows you'd understand more. But I have learned how to walk well and how to present clothes and my biggest compliments at the end of the show was from Donna, herself, who said that I was her husband's favorite model since I danced and had the most fun up there.

  Good times, great store - not that I could afford to shop in it... :P

Hot Mamacitas walk the Runway for Mama's Kitchen

 I have one thing to say: "Chanel! Chanel! Chanel!" whew! This Fall I did a show benefiting the organization Mama's Kitchen (which delivers meals to those affected by AIDS). Staged by the superb fashion guru, Leonard Simpson it was held on a hot, but gorgeous day on the rooftop of the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego.  As usual, Leonard got us top of the line designer clothes to wear, as well as great accessories, hats, giant poodles and another breed of dog I can't even pronounce. There was even a trio of ballet dancers from California ballet company. Lots of fun and fabulous - it's hard not to feel great in his shows and benefiting yet another local cause. "Work it out!"

Mama's Kitchen Charity Runway show

Click above on photo album for more photos AND click on link below for a short video clip of the show - - go to "what's Hot playlist", scroll down and click on "Mama's Kitchen" and then click on 'Glimpse of the Fashions' Icon. Can you guess which one is me in black? Hint: the hips, ya'll dem Messican child-bearing hips are a giveaway...
http://www.letsplaydowntown.com/LPD_front_page/Navigation/Link_Nav_San_Diego_frameset.html

Latina Style: VASZARO designs

About 3 years ago I met and modeled for local Latina designer Vanessa Rosas. You can see previous blog here about that first show. Since then I've modeled again for her as well as bought a one-of-a-kind black gown that I adore and has accompanied me to Vegas and Miami. I was checking out her website and, enjoying always seeing those I know work, I'd like to support her by posting it here for those wanting to check out some of her fantastic, super sexy and flowing designs.

Check it out:
http://www.vaszaro.com/

and click below for slideshow:

Vazsaro fashions

It's "Absolutely FABULOUS", Dahling....!!

I hate the term but I've been a fa* hag for quite some time. I figure growing up with all those musicals and then getting into theater did it. Heck: I'm open-minded! Well, I was knocked down a rung or two when it took my conservative (if somewhat Metrosexual) boyfriend, Patrick, to introduced me recently to the hit BBC television show, "Absolutely Fabulous".

Known as "The Fab AB" - this show is a RIOT! It mostly consists of the foibles of Eddee and her childhood friend, Patsy, now both about 40. The pair is an absolute fabulous M-E-S-S! Eedee has a teenage daughter (perfectly cast) who is a total nerd, conservative brainiac - much to her super liberal mother's chagrin. Eedie is twice-divorced (the father of her daughter turned out GAY, of course!) Even though Patsy and Eidee are a mess, they are quite successful in, what else, the Fashion industry. So we always get to hear funny commentry on lables and designers. The 2 are also rarely seen NOT guzzling down some alcohol or lighting a fag (cigarette, darling, I mean lighting a cigarette!) They are constantly making trouble for some poor soul and their comedic timing and facial expressions are hilarious!

Well, far be it for me to somehow miss that this show was HUGE within the Gay community. Patrick said that they even used to do viewing parties of it at one of the gay bars in Hillcrest. Shoot. I somehow missed all of that. Maybe it was because I haven't had cable in over 10 years???

Enjoy a taste of it, Dahling....!!

A PEEK at New York Fashion Week

So, I definitely like Fashion - I don't eat, breathe or sleep it like some people I know, but I certainly appreciate it after modeling for 10 years. I love the theatrics of it, I love the details that go into it, the talent, the creativity and vision: it can be very similar to putting on a professional stage production.

In any case, I was browsing articles on the recent Fashion Week in New York and came across some great and not-so-great styles of clothing. This one from designer Duckie Brown may get someone arrested trying to wear it in public, but I have a certain unconventional European ex boyfriend who would absolutely don the duds at least in Hillcrest, San Diego!

Old Broad Modeling Alert!

I did a couple tv news modeling segments this week for San Diego's Fashion Valley stores. We were modeling choices for the New Years holiday. I'd like to point out that what was supposed to be a segment with several models aged 28-40 ended up being aged 19-25.

And then there was me. ....At 34.

Watch below the videos to get some pointers in New Years Eve glam gowns!
click here for the KUSI one.
or
here for the Fox news one.

Isabella Kristensen Couture Show

 

In September I had the extreme pleasure to participate in the first runway show that European Couture designer, Isabella Kristensen presented in the States. Even better was the fact that some of my favorite model girl friends were also selected to walk in the show. My little 'sister', Allison Nazareth ("spelled like Jesus", she is fond of saying) was my walking partner for most of the show. Although I think most models prefer to walk alone (you don't have to concentrate on walking at the same gait or synchronizing your turns), I don't mind walking with Allison as we seem to both have the same sensual, curvy walk - I honestly think it has to do with us both always being the ethnic girls of the show!! Although backstage was incredibly stressful, we didn't even have the time for a tech rehearsal
for the first time ever when working with fay fashion guru, Leonard Simpson (insert gay shocked gasp here), the dresses were as stunning as their 6 ft designer. The night was filled with fashion press and TV and was deemed a success!!

*click on photo album and then on slideshow!
 

Isabella Kristiensen Show Sep06