If you’re following me on snapchat (@hodakay), you probably got to see the sneak peek of photographer Daniel Chae & I as we were first arriving on set for this shoot: 9am in below freezing temperatures in a field of snow and ice by the lake. It was gorgeous. (and cold). Despite the temperatures I could so easily fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing against the ice. Or maybe it was just because I was sleep deprived.
But for the sake of blogger transparency (apparently it’s like the latest trend to be honest to readers. What a concept!) I would like to mention that shortly following that magical moment we were promptly chased by a massive, terrifying dog. See? My life is still a mess.
Speaking of messes, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page for a quick minute. If you’ve been following the news about the protests in Chicago following the release of the video* of the murder of Laquan McDonald–a 17yr old black teen shot by an American police officer 16 times–I don’t think it would be necessary to remind you that I’m not a fan of mainstream news (especially when it comes to representing minority groups…*cough* Muslims *cough* Black people, etc), so here is your alternative report:
Black people have a right to be angry, a right to express their rage. Private property and company profits are not more valuable than black bodies. This is not an isolated incident. Here is more on that. And this is why it matters to you.
*P.S. Laquan’s family actually does NOT want you to watch or share the video. You do NOT need to watch violence to know that it happened. The consumerist nature of this video release is disgusting.
But back to the post.
I was gifted this beautiful KowTow Phase Dress in navy chambray by one of my absolute favorite ethical boutiques, New Classics Studios. (If you remember, I mentioned them in my post listing 6 (Ethical) Brands You’ll Love as Much as Zara)!
KowTow is one of those rare, successful blends of ethical and aesthetically pleasing–“from seed to garment.” Their employees are paid livable wages (read: different than minimum wage, which, is def. not livable) and their children are given free education, among other benefits. Also, the oversize-fit of this dress makes it perfect for crumpling and structuring for all of those strange poses that I do. (The back also has the cutest pleats and yes, it has pockets!)
These photos were shot in collaboration with Daniel Chae, a Korean photographer now based in Chicago. (He shared a few other shots on his insta that did not make it to this post, so be sure to click through and take a peek)!
P.S. Alyssa Lau, the beauty and brains behind New Classics Studios, also has a wicked blog and Insta. Just a PSA for your inspirational benefit~
P.P.S. To answer all of your emails at once, YES, the Tehran Streetstyle photography book is definitely still happening. Keep watching this space & sign up for my email list to be first in line for the pre-sale in early January 2016. We (the blog & I) are really, really psyched. Thank you for all of your support throughout the excessively tedious process of publishing a book. Much love.
