Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes Style Tip For Crisp Fit

Looking like a million bucks can be as simple as snip and a stitch. Most clothing are cut to fit a large range of people. Which means, clothing will not fit you perfectly directly off the rack. Suit jackets have wider backs and roomier arms so it can fit a wider range of customers. The cheaper the brand, the boxier the cut.

In order for you to create the look of a custom fit, you should tailor your clothing to fit your body. This is the best way to ensure that your clothes all hit their proper points. With some strategically placed darts, hems and stitches, clothing will lay better on your body. When gaps under your arm lay closer to the body, breaks in a blazer are flattened out and darts are placed at the hips and bust line, clothing not only look and fit better, they also look more expensive.

Many fabrics are delicate and should not be ironed. The hot metal can alter the look and texture of certain fabrics. Steaming clothing instead of ironing will help preserve the life of your clothes throughout the course of time.  A professional Presser can remove wrinkles in a way that many an iron could not. Hems, collars, lapels, suits, dress shirts and wedding gowns should be pressed by a Presser in order to achieve a crisp look.

 

The Best Dressed at The Oscars 2015

The Best Dressed at The Oscars 2015

Jennifer Lopez (Elie Saab)

 

Zoe Saldana (Altelier Versace)

Scarlett Johansen (Atelier Versace)

Jennifer Aniston (Altelier Versace)

Naomi Watts (Armani Prive) Watts won the race in this racer back runway gown.

Best Couples at the Oscars Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine Red hottie Behati in Armani Couture. Adam Levine in Armani.

 

Chrissy Teigen (Zuhair Murad) and John Legend (Gucci) Legends in the making as this couple wows the red carpet.

Laura Dern (Alberta Ferretti) Dern is ready in this silver Ferretti.

Julianne Moore (Chanel) More channels Chanel as she picks up her Oscar.

Chloe Grace Moritz (Mui Mui) She’s got young elegance in the pocket!

 

Rita Ora (Marchesa) Silver screen goddess. Is it Rita Ora or Rita Hayworth?

Rosamund Pike (Givenchy) Rosamund is just rosy in this red scalloped crimson gown.

Lupita Nyong’o (Calvin Klein) Girl with the pearl…. A lot of them!

 

Reese Witherspoon Made everyone swoon in this black and white Tom Ford gown. She was dripping in diamonds as well.

Adrian Brody

Josh Hutcherson

 

Risk Takers

Cate Blanchett (Maison Martin Margeila) Distressed Elegance and unusual statement necklace that kept them talking.

Marion Cotillard (Dior Couture) Elegant in the front and fashion forward flapper back! Wow!!! In the back! Dripping in gems from Chopard and a divine updo.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Ralph & Russo) Pink Pedal Pusher with a huge statement pink rose fixed at her shoulder. Topping off her look with a Anna Hu statement ring and super sleek hair.

 

Margot Robbie (Yves Saint Laurent) Swimming in silk but, Best make-up for the night. Her jewelry was titanic

ZOMBIE BOY CREEPS IT REAL

Zombie Boy Creeps It Real

By Ty-Ron Mayes

Zombie Boy photographed by John Mayes at the Betsey Johnson fashion show for New York Fashion Week. Zombie Boy is wearing Gasoline Glamour.

Born Rick Genest of La Salle, Quebec and growing up in Chateauguay, “Rico” aka Zombie Boy first appeared on the world platform in the Lady Gaga’s video, Born This Way. No, that was not make-up in the video… at least not on Rico. Over 80 percent of his body is covered in tattoos, including his face. Rick’s tattoos are what he calls, his “project”. So, what does one do when one nearly escapes death, obsesses over horror films and lives for fashion? Cover nearly every inch of his body with tattoos of bones, rotting flesh, death symbols and bugs. The world’s most unusual Supermodel has been busy appearing in films like 47 Ronin, recording music and walking the runways from Paris to Prague.

As a teenager, Rick Genest was diagnosed with a life-threatening benign brain tumor. At the age of 15, Rick underwent a surgery that many had not survived in the past. Because of the tumor’s position, his options were death or if lucky, blindness and/or to live as a vegetable. When he emerged from the surgery, he was none of the above. Rick was indeed alive and well. Defying the odds, he literally jumped off of the Grim Reaper’s deck of cards and began a new life. The runaway embraced the underground Punk scene and became obsessed with body modification. By age 21, the newly named Rico The Zombie or Zombie Boy… a name his friends call him; enlisted the help of tattoo artist, Frank Lewis. Together, Lewis and Zombie created a walking dead–like, skull-faced character, with Rick Genest’s body as the canvas. For several years, they painfully augmented the appearance of normal, healthy, human flesh into a frightening homage to horror films. Slowly and methodically Genest’s body was transformed from an average 5’9” man, into a decomposing, Zombie-like corpses, with exposed cadaver inspired parts revealing the skeletal, muscular and circulatory system teaming with crawling insects that devour the dead. The result led to two admissions into the Guinness Book of World Records: one for the most bones tattooed on the body (134) and one for the most insects tattooed on the body (176). “My tattoos symbolize life through death, or death through life.”

Zombie Boy wearing The Blonds backstage at The Blonds Fashion Show along with Mao and Amanda Lepore. Knives by Gasoline Glamour. Photo: Mao PR

Soon after his transformation, fashion called and Hollywood followed. His resume reads like a who’s who. Zombie Boy is the first man to sign a contract and became the first male spokesperson for L’Oreal. With a wildly successful viral video that shows how Dermablend can cover even a Zombie and look natural; 15 million viewers watched “Go Beyond The Cover” for Dermablend Professional. The video showed which appears to be a reverse transformation as Zombie Boy was covered with make-up to look like his original un-tattooed self. Currently, he is in talks with L’Oreal for future endorsements.

Zombie Boy served as the face of Thierry Mugler menswear collection and Jay-Z’ Rocawear label in Europe. Furthermore, just about every important photographer in the industry, as well as, magazines around the world has photographed Genest. As an actor, Zombie Boy had a cameo and served as the celebrity pitchman to Universal Studio’s 47 Ronin starring Keanu Reeves. He has also appeared in Aquario, Love at Last Sight and a major role in a film short – “In Faust” which will appear in the Fantasia Film Festival.

But, Zombie Boy’s success story doesn’t stop there. Zombie Boy has recorded 5 music tracks with KAV Blaggers of London including “Dirty Rejects” and “Monsters VS The World”. And while he appearing as a celebrity DJ in countries such as Germany, Austria, Belarus and Russia, he is pouring his soul into his upcoming EP with Riggs (Creative formally of Rob Zombie).

Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes (Right) styles and escorts Zombie Boy to the Timo Weiland fashion show at Lincoln Center for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Photography: John Mayes

From runaway street urchin to entrepreneur, Zombie Boy has now launched his Zombie Boy merchandise; which includes cologne, apparel and home décor. Now Zombie Boy fans can buy into the world of Zombie Boy and look like, smell like and even sleep like a Zombie with his whimsical leather helmets, kick ass boots and belts, black candles, curtains and bath towels. Yes, you can even smell like a Zombie with his cologne and anyone who knows Rico The Zombie, knows he loves energy drinks, so it was only natural that he would create a drink to keep you bouncing off the walls when you are feeling dead on your feet.

End

Zink Magazine Interviewed Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes About Innovation

Zink Magazine:   What innovation would change your life?

Ty-Ron Mayes:  I am a dreamer and such a futurist at heart. I grew up in a world full of X-Men, Star Wars and all sorts of fantastical scenarios of the future. It would be innovative if we could create a device that would unlock the dormant parts of the brain. At present, we only use 30% of our brain, leaving 70% of our brain as an untapped human resource. If the power of the brain could be augmented, we could possibly time travel, fold time and move forward so we can know all of the answers in life… move back in time to fix all of our mistakes. We could levitate and move through this existence without the need of fuel and read minds so that we could learn how to coexist in harmony without the limitations of language. Designing a device that would unleash the power of the brain would be the greatest invention ever known to man.

Meet the Incomparable Shaun Ross by Ty-Ron Mayes

MEET THE IMCOMPRABLE SHAUN ROSS Written and interviewed by Ty-Ron Mayes

Albinism is considered to be a hereditary condition characterized by the absence of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. For Shaun Ross, these characteristics are a blessing in disguise. Michael Jackson once sang, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” With that being said, the sky is the limit for the unconventional muse. What was once considered a curse has now made the fierce New Yorker highly sought after in the fashion industry. Ross challenged fashion’s antiquated beauty standards, broke through its barriers, redefined what it means to be different and has become the first male Supermodel with Albinism. As an advocate for the LGBT community, the luminescent catwalker is a soldier for anti-bullying and urges everyone who sees him to move towards greater acceptance for all people.

Supermodel Shaun Ross photographed by John Mayes BTS with Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes

Photography: John Mayes

Fashion Editor and Styling: TY-RON MAYES @ maxinetall.com for Paper Faces llc.

Make-up and Hair: ROBERTO MORELLI @ linknyla.com for NARS

Fashion Assistant: Polina Roytman

Traditionally models are expected to be visions of perfection and are held to nearly impossible standards. It is our obsession with perfection the drives the fashion and beauty industry, which makes models so intriguing. Scientifically, we are conditioned to be attracted to faces that have symmetry and balance. Our pupils dilate when we see what we believe are beauty traits, such as wide eyes, full hair, a well-toned body and clear skin. In a world obsessed with perfection, Shaun Ross stands alone. He is the most unusual supermodel in the industry today. His features are imperfect and quirky and do not “add up”. Traditionally models were visions of perfection. Some may say that Ross is an oxymoron. He is Black but he is white. He is African-American yet he is a true blonde. His nose is askew. His gaze is not always direct. He is masculine and feminine. He is Butch and beguiling. And, with all of this, Shaun Ross somehow bypassed the conventional genetic lottery that is normally the prerequisite for a successful modeling career. In the modeling industry Ross is the King of Unconventional Models. Shaun is a self-made supermodel that is now celebrated for his unusual features and extrodinary talents. Recently, Ross was selected to be the subject of a massive art exhibit. Ironically, it was named: Visible Man. And, when I say ironically, it is because I know of the personal struggles Ross endured in order to be seen, be acknowledged and to finally “make it”. The paintings captured his unapologetic moxy as it displayed Shaun Ross in haunting Christ-like poses. The paintings were bold, in your face gazes of oil likeness that somehow asked for acknowledgement. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Shaun Ross is the world’s first supermodel with Albinism. And, when Shaun Ross was not immediately accepted into the world of conventional modeling, he turned himself into living art. Because of his tenacity, self-confidence and innate ability to perform in front of the camera, Shaun Ross has become one of the most sought after models in history. He has appeared on covers around the world and in high profile music videos. Some could say his work rivaled that of supermodel, Veruschka. I first met Ross at the tender age of 16 during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. He walked up to me, a well-known stylist and told me that no one gets him. I remember the day like it was yesterday. He was dressed in all black, which stood out against his stark white skin. He was young and albino (terminology only used with respect) and unforgettable. I told him to keep going, keep pushing and never give up. Shaun had youth on his side. Now he has become a walking inspiration, so much so, he is attracting artists such as Jerome Lagarrigue. By chance the two met in the lobby of a Miami hotel and immediately Lagarrigue was inspired to capture the wispy man with Albinism in a series of seven-foot oil on canvas paintings. Enamored by the relation of how light reflected from his pigment-less skin, Lagarrigue captured Ross in moments when dusk reverberated his pale skin, platinum hair and what he called “wheat colored eyes”. In front of his brush and canvases or cameras and catwalks, Ross does what he does best… Inspire, pose and capture moments by utilizing all of his skills. I know this because when I styled him for this fashion shoot, I witnessed his pure genius first hand. Ross does not model like any male model that I have seen before. That is because Shaun dances and animates clothing making them come to life. Hats levitate like a magician’s trick. Ross spins like Michael Jackson and stops on a dime to deliver a moment and only the sharpest photographers will capture the once and a lifetime image. He vogues like Madonna, but with slow, methodical isometrics… twisting and contouring while fully aware of the camera as he shapes his body with perfect geometric precision to support his two dimensional image. Somehow, Shaun Ross found a way to take an antiquated gay street dance and turned their movements into a quirky expression that allows him to sell covers, clothing and gain the attention of the world. In other words, Shaun Ross is a hot commodity. People who are born with albinism were and in some place still are ostracized because if their lack of pigment. In some cultures, they were called ghost or viewed as having magical powers. In certain African cultures, people with albinism’s hands and feet were cut off and used as good luck potions and some are just killed. They are often invisible people who are ridiculed, taunted and isolated. But, at the Driscoll Babcock Gallery, artist Jerome Lagarrigue force everyone to see Ross. Standing naked next to Katie Perry, we are all forced to see him and in “Pretty Hurts” he boldly gained the attention of the world’s greatest entertainer. In the world of entertainment, Shaun Ross will remain as a visible, tangible documentation of a man who challenged the superficiality of an unwelcome industry full of cliquey, judgmental, hypocritical people and left an indelible mark in history.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

Shaun Ross: I am from New York and I was raised in the Bronx.

Ty-Ron Mayes: I am as well, from New York and raised in the Bronx… how did you get discovered as a model?

Shaun Ross: I use to be a dancer when I was younger and posting videos of my latest moves on youtube was a passion of mine. Along with that, came messages from different people telling me how good I was. Eventually, a NYC based photographer by the name of Shameer Khan discovered me. He asked me for my measurements and expressed how he thought I could be a model. I responded and then a day later I was taking shots and signing my first contract.

Ty-Ron Mayes: What do you love about modeling?

Shaun Ross: Traveling! I love seeing other parts of the world that I would only dream of as a child.

Androgynous Supermodel Shaun Ross transformed by make-up artist Roberto Morelli. Styled by ty-Ron Mayes

Ty-Ron Mayes: You are one of the most creative African American models to hit the scene in a long time. What ignites your creativity?

Shaun Ross: The ability to create and be creative is a gift in itself. People like Michael Jackson really inspire me because I ask myself how can one person have so much power, so much charisma. That drives me to do the same, to be creative to allow people to see something they are not use to and help them to understand it.

Ty-Ron Mayes: What is your biggest accomplishment as a model?

Shaun Ross: My biggest accomplishment in modeling has to be the fact that I have created a name for myself and I continue to work hard to keep my image relevant. I am making something that is a “ Wrong “ look so “ Right “.

Ty-Ron Mayes: What was your favorite modeling job?

Shaun Ross: My favorite modeling job had to being co-starring on Katy Perry’s “E.T.” music video with Kanye West. In this video, there was an endless amount of inspiration on the set and I had never gone to California before then. Then, of course working with Beyoncé’ in the “Pretty Hurts” music video.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Most models start off very young, have you ever had any other type of job?

Shaun Ross: I worked for a month in a Haunted House as a prop when I was 15, other than that, no.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Well, it seems that you have always been an artist your for most of your adult life. Most models have a situation that they can not believe they found themselves in… What was your most unusual, funniest job or situation?

Shaun Ross: Posing nude in Katy Perry’s E.T. music video. 160 million viewers have glanced at my tooshie!

Ty-Ron Mayes: Yes, I think we have all seen it… What project would you love to do?

Shaun: I would love to work more with NYC Cares. They take on serious social issues here in NY. It’s the largest volunteer organization, running over 1,200 non-profit, city agencies and public schools. They really are trying to make the city a better place for everyone.

Shaun Ross featured in a series of paintings by Jerome Lagarrigue called “Visible Man”.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Do you have any other films or projects out that we should be aware of?

Shaun: A wise man never tells his secrets and I have learned that you have to keep your projects under your hat until they are ready to be released. I have not Tweeted or discussed my cover story with Acapella Magazine because I want it to be a total surprise. This is such an amazing concept creating a high fashion LGBT magazine. As soon as it is released, I would tell everyone to get it. If you guys continue to follow me on Facebook and Instagram, I always post what I am doing for my fans.

Ty-Ron Mayes: The media often reports that Black models do not get along… Who would you say was your ‘Black Bestie’ in modeling?

Shaun Ross: I was never the type of model to hang around a lot other models or have the fake ‘bromance’. I always stayed to myself, so thank God I did not have a Tyra / Naomi moment.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Yes, I noticed that about you. You are much more subdued than people would imagine and extremely professional. Do you think the Black models of today have forged better relations amongst themselves or are they still fighting?

Shaun Ross: I think the situation between Black models have gotten better but, I think the media will always make it seem as if it has not improved because it is more interesting to show the negative side of modeling.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Now we have to get serious here. Your hair is naturally blonde and your skin in white… being an individual who was born with Albinism, was it difficult growing up in a ‘Black’ or ‘Brown’ community?

Shaun Ross: Most people ask me this question. I do not want to say yes and ask for sympathy because almost every child gets teased along with being bullied, but yes it was hard. Growing up in the surroundings of everyone looking somewhat the same and me being so different was a problem because children did not understand what it is like to be different.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Are there any physical limitations to having Albinism?

Shaun Ross: We just tend to have poor vision along with getting sunburned easily.

Ty-Ron Mayes: The purpose of this next statement is for it to be a “teachable moment” if I may quote Oprah Winfrey? How do you feel when the word “Albino” is used? Is this derogatory or is it a word that has become common in the community?

Shaun Ross: Unlike others, I do not feel offended when I hear someone says, “…He is an Albino. “ I just correct them. Not everyone is educated on the condition so I am happy I could be an advocate to those who do not understand.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Is being “Black” more of a state of mind rather than a skin color? What does ‘Black’ mean to you?

Shaun Ross: Black to me is a color. But, being of African decent is another feeling. I think of culture and for some reason a lot of body movement. The energy we call “Black” flows through me and I am fascinated with African dances and the way you move all of the parts of your body.

Ty-Ron Mayes: What’s the one thing you know now, that you wish you knew when you were growing up?

Shaun Ross: To be patient and keep my mouth shut.

Ty-Ron Mayes: You and Diandra Forrest, another model with Albinism, worked so well together, even to the point that you agreed to kiss on film. Are you friends?

Shaun Ross: Yes, Diandra Forrest is a good friend. I love hanging with her.

Ty-Ron Mayes: When did you first notice Diandra? Were you aware that there was another top model with Albinism ruling the print and runway world?

Shaun Ross: I was aware of Diandra because we were discovered by the same person… at the same time. We came up together.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Due to the controversial presence that people with Albinism face today, are you surprised that you have been accepted into the modeling industry?

Shaun Ross: Not at all because I knew what was planned for me was nothing but greatness. I would not strive for anything that I knew I could not manage or handle and modeling was something I could do and do well.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Shaun, I have worked with several male models in the past; none quite like you. You struck poses that are not typically seen in the male modeling world… striking very difficult positions, high-kicks and Voguing poses, what experiences are you bring into your modeling?

Shaun Ross: I studied dancing in Alvin Ailey for some time, along with early dance advances from Bronx Dance Theatre.

Artist Jerome Lagarrigue featuring Shaun Ross

Ty-Ron Mayes: Well, your training has paid off and aided in making you a very unique model. Shaun, how often do you stretch? Do you implement your dance background into every photoshoot?

Shaun Ross: I stretch once in a while, but I always remain limber.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Do you feel successful?

Shaun: Yes, every single day, but I am always hungry for more and to do better.

Ty-Ron Mayes: I must say, I first met you at 16 and have followed your career since. I noticed you hugging young children with Albinism on Facebook. How do you find ways to support children who are born with Albinism?

Shaun Ross: Yes, tolerance and education helps our community and I go to Belgium for conferences pertaining to people with Albinism; to see how we can help educate others.

Ty-Ron Mayes: When traveling and you are away from home, what foods do you love and miss?

Shaun Ross: For some reason when I go across seas, I always crave Chinese food… like some real ghetto, New York, down-home Chinese food from your local neighborhood.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Same here! General Tso chicken to go! Let’s play a game. As a bonafide Supermodel… if you were a Marvel comic book hero, what super powers would you like Stan Lee to create for you?

Shaun Ross: I would love to have the power to create life in a dramatic amount of time!

Ty-Ron Mayes: I choose flight. I wish I could fly. What is the riskiest thing you’ve done in your life?

Shaun Ross: Walk outside the house! Ha-ha… no… just kidding. Maybe… Shoot on a horse that had an attitude.

Ty-Ron Mayes: What social or political cause are you most passionate about?

Shaun Ross: Anti-bullying!

Ty-Ron Mayes: I agree. It kills the spirit, which is exactly why people do it. When you are not modeling, what do you love to do in your leisure time?

Shaun Ross: I love to sit on my roof or go hang with friends and family.

Ty-Ron Mayes: Shaun, you deejayed at our shoot and kept the studio pumping, what’s in you music playlist right now?

Shaun Ross: Everything you could ever imagine from Bjork to Beyonce. I love music… it is my drug.

Ty-Ron Mayes: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Shaun Ross: Singer and songwriter Brandy told me to remain humble.

Ty-Ron Mayes: If you could say one thing to the next generation of models looking to enter the world of fashion, what would it be?

Shaun Ross: Be an original!

Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes Chats Resource Magazine & Tyra 15

Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes discusses Styling and Art Directing Tyra 15 photo exhibit by Udo Spreitzenbarth

Ty-Ron Mayes – Styling and Creative Direction

Tyra Banks embraces Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes on the set of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20 as The Fashion Consultant To Tyra Banks for ANTM Cycle 20 and the Stylist / Art Director of 15 the photography exhibit of Udo Spreitzenbarth featuring Tyra Banks.

Resource Magazine: The Three Rules to Working With Tyra?

Ty-Ron Mayes: When it comes to working with Tyra Banks, you have got to be on top of your game. She has specific needs, wants and she has her finger on the pulse of what is going on in society at all times. She is “The Queen of Social Media” and is directly tapped into the youth culture. As her stylist, it is so important that I listen to what Tyra has to say. She has great ideas and she is a real artist. She is so beyond just wearing clothing and just looking pretty. She is an incredible artist and Tyra is a very sharp businesswoman. She has an uncanny ability to not only be creative but to communicate that creativity to the people who work for her. So, you are never in the dark when it comes to what she wants and what she likes or dislikes. As the creator of America’s Next Top Model, Tyra comes to the table with great ideas and gives fantastic directions. Unlike many celebrities, she knows what she wants and what she can do. She knows how to delegate power and with that ability, Tyra allows you to interpret her directions into your vision. Fashion is constantly changing and if you can fit fashion within the perimeters in which she is comfortable and executes the project at hand, then bingo… you hit the bull’s eye. And, if she gives you the fierce stamp of approval… then you better rock it because she has done everything… worn the most expensive clothing in the world, seen the finest things life has to offer and traveled nearly every corner of the world. For the record… Tyra thinks I’m FIERCE! Always bring her options and new things. I like presenting new ideas, new concepts, new designers and just keeping everything fresh. When we shot this cover, some of the designers we used were new and that’s what makes Tyra’ s imagery so fresh. We could have easily used designers that the industry loves to patronize over and over again but she likes new people that are doing new things. On the cover, the dress was custom made for Banks by a designer named Nada Abuzaid from Venom Couture. Nada is the creator of the “Gleeve”… which is a glove and sleeve all in one. For the cover, I asked Nada to create a double Gleeve dress. There is only one and it hangs in my closet. Over the dress I layered the Minnie-Mouse skirt from Chromat, had milliner Arturo Rios create a cat-eye fascinator and accessorized the look with a necklace from Giorgio Armani. I am obsessed with new artists and I am always interested in looking for the next hot artist. What I like most about Tyra is she is willing to take risks, work outside of the box and push her brand beyond what people expect from her. This is why 15 is such a compelling project. You are seeing her totally vulnerable, unretouched and stepping outside of her comfort zone.

Resource Magazine: Styling 15: Tell us a little bit about what Tyra is wearing in the series, like as Iman, Grace Jones, Twiggy and Lauren Hutton, for instance.

Ty-Ron Mayes: The wardrobe involved in Tyra 15 was as eclectic as the women she embodied. I took it from couture to the street and from downtown avant-garde to uptown elegance. The essence of each character had to be spot on because I knew we were going to be scrutinized by the media and the general public so I actually had to reschedule Tyra’s “Iman”. This one was the trickiest character because Iman is one of Tyra’s mentors and she had to be done right. In order to capture the Studio 54 era of Iman it was so important to dress her in a piece that would give you the feeling that we were looking at a young Iman in the 80’s. I could not find the wardrobe that would transform Tyra into an 80’s Iman. I kept envisioning a young Iman in 1980’s wearing a “Solid Gold” lame jumper with “Dynasty” shoulder pads. I called my good friend Connie Flemming for help. Connie modeled in the 90’s under the name “Connie Girl” and starred in the George Michael’s “Too Funky” music video alongside Tyra. She wore the iconic red cowboy outfit in the video. Connie who now works for David Dalrymple the designer for House of Field offered to make the jumpsuit for the shoot. David draped it and two days later, Connie delivered it to the set and with the aid of a pair of brown contact lenses, we were able to shoot the Iman image. Grace Jones was a total fluke. I was actually looking for a decadent jumpsuit for Iman. Of course I went to Patricia Field’s looking for the “Iman look” and behold… I looked up to see several breastplates suspended from the ceiling as if the Fashion gods sent them to me. I mean… they were screaming STRANGE’! I quickly took some digitals and sent them to Tyra. She agreed… total Strange’! It was so ironic that Grace Jones played Strange’ in Eddie Murphy’s movie “Boomerang”, which is Tyra’s and my favorite movie. I hope Grace feels like we did her justice. Other personalities such as Carmen Dell’Orefice wore Jean-Paul Gaultier and it really helped us embody the elegance of Carmen. Lauren Hutton was a look I was really proud of. I think I nailed that one with the fedora and white pantsuit. People have no idea how dedicated Tyra was to 15. She lost 10 pounds and was swimsuit ready for her Kate Upton tribute. She “T’werked” and “Cat Daddyed” in the skimpiest swimsuit form La Perla and rolled around in a makeshift bed as Cindy Crawford in a Moschino swimwear. Remember… there was absolutely no retouching. For the new girls on the block, I layered several bridge wear designers to create the young edgy looks that were Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne. And, I made sure Tyra was reppin’ LA with a baller cap from Harlem and she rocked a Vivienne Westwood t-shirt so “Cara” could rep London, England. Then we had Jerry Hall who just… “luv mah dahmonds sugah.” For the record, Tyra’s “Jerry Hall” was dripping in thousands of dollars in Damiani diamonds set in white gold. For one year Tyra 15 was like a fashion decathlon.

Resource Magazine: The Prepwork: What kinda “homework” goes into styling and concepting a series such as 15? Could you walk us through some of the concepts?

Ty-Ron Mayes: As the Creative Director and Stylist for Tyra 15, conceptualizing the unique project was a lot of fun to execute. On the surface, it appeared that I was styling Tyra Banks for 15, but in essence I was really styling 15 different people, with 15 different personalities and styles. On top of that, we had to bounce from one era to another era. When Tyra, Udo and I decided that we were going to tribute models for the exhibition, I had to not think of “Tyra Banks” as the brand that I am accustomed to dressing. For me Tyra had to become a blank canvas in which I would dress this living art instillation. As a Stylist, my philosophy is to not dress the person, but to dress the character that the subject will become. It’s a technique I have used throughout my career in every editorial. When you dress the character, you can really transform people into just about anyone and really tell your story. Of course, I was working with an incredible frame that could support drastic transformations. Tyra is a model, an actress and a larger than life personality so I knew that she could really do this project and the end result would be powerful. Watching Tyra manipulate every muscle in her face creating the pouty-lipped Kate Moss or the scowling beauty of Grace Jones was awe-inspiring. She really did her homework and came to the set with tons of images of each woman in her own personal iPad. I knew I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. My homework was extensive. I worked directly with Tyra in helping select the look and the era of each of these incredible women. So, when it came to Iman, which Iman would we tribute? Will it be the Iman of today or 80’s Iman? Which Linda Evangelista were we going to document? Will we do blonde Linda, redhead Linda or brunette Linda? Will it be a 90’s Cindy? We were constantly passing the baton to the other members of Team Tyra who were also doing their homework. Valente was shopping for make-up and studying their specific make-up style so when he had to do Cindy, he would sculpt eyebrows and create her iconic mole. Sher Rae prepared lace-front wigs with Cindy’s blonde streaks. Sher Rae was constantly grabbing, dying and cutting wigs around the clock. And, she along with Anthony Palermo bought several options so we were able to shoot Linda with flaming red hair and Linda as a cool blonde. Because we respected each other’s craft and we communicated so well, when we came together for the shoot days which were spread out over a year, we really flowed and worked like a well oiled engine. Everyone involved is a true master in their perspective fields but without Udo Spreitzenbarth’s photography, none of the Tyra 15 images would have been as accurate. This project was demanding on all of us, but it was extremely demanding on Udo. I have worked with many top photographers for over 20 years and often photographers have one specific photographic style they feel comfortable shooting. Often it is a style that they spent years developing and refuse to deviate from their singular vision. But, this was a task that needed Udo to step out of his comfort zone and shoot different styles from different photographers. And, to add to the difficulty, there was absolutely no retouching. Once Tyra and I figured out what era and look each model was going to be shot in and I sorted out all of the wardrobe, I had to then get Udo on board so that he could execute the proper photographic style. When shooting Iman, Udo nailed that 80’s Skrebneski lighting. He documented our Kate Moss’ heroin chic images as if it was shot through the lens of Mario Sorrenti. He effortlessly captured Patrick Demarchelier’s Linda Evangelista, as well as, Richard Avedon’s Lauren Hutton. I know for a fact that I could have not done this project if not for the flexible genius of Udo Spreitzenbarth’s photography, the incredible artistry of Emmy- Award Winning Make-up Artist Valente Frazier, the super talented Hair Stylist Sher Rae Tucker and of course the multi-faceted Tyra Banks whose incredible beauty is rivaled only by her limitless talent.

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Creative Streaks

This season, show your creativity as you become the curator of your own wardrobe. Champion your individuality with options such as off kilter prints, unusual textures and metallic embellishments, all while blending your own style medley. Collect unexpected ensembles, show off new embellishments and relish in lavish colors that reflect your artistic way of living as you surround yourself with artsy collectibles and rare finds.       – Ty-Ron Mayes

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The MODEL Phenomenon

The Model Phenomenon

by Ty-Ron Mayes

I have spent the last two decades working with just about every type of model in the industry. Most models are not beautiful. Actually, the best models have a “look”. Yes, they are tall and thin. Some are quirky; others can be handsome. But, they all share one thing in common. Models are confident individuals who have assessed themselves, understand their faces and bodies and are aware of all of their flaws. The most successful models are masters of illusion.

Photography: Udo Spreitzenbarth
Stylist/ Make-up and Hair: Ty-Ron Mayes
Model Melissa Kurland

The average model starts off his or her career very young. They are usually lanky, awkward and experienced a growth spurt that results in a child-like face on an adult body. As a result, models are keenly aware of themselves and what works on their unusual frames. During what the industry calls the “testing” phase, a model will discover what looks best on his and her body. More  important, the model will discover every flaw under a professional photographers camera.

With this heightened awareness, a good model will know how to stand, manipulate the clothing and how to hide all of their flaws because they are masters of illusion. They constantly analyze themselves so they can deemphasize their imperfections.

Photography: Emin Kadi
Stylist: Ty-Ron Mayes
Make-up/ Hair: Roberto Morelli
Cape and catsuit: Jose Duran
Latex undergarments: Jac Langheim

The model completely understands the attitude and emotion it takes to make their ensemble come alive. Looking good and feeling good is what they convey on covers, in editorials and on the runway.

The model has always been a subject of controversy, especially in the women’s industry. They are adored by the masses and hated by many. They have been the source of many dreams, as well as, the focus of public angst. But, however you may feel, the contingent of the  elusive model has influenced generations of onlookers and we all have at one time or another take a page from catwalkers.

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ZOMBIE BOY: I’m Just Dying To Beat You!

                                                                                Written by Ty-Ron Mayes

Excitement is in the air as an unusual personality gears up to become the Hollywood’s next action villain. Zombie Boy is just dying to beat you Keanu! as  to appear in Keanu Reeve’s 47 Ronin. My friend Rick Genest AKA Zombie Boy is set to appear as one of the antagonist in the new film 47 Ronin! And with his frightening tattooed exterior, The Prince of Ink is set to leave and indelible stain and some bruises in Hollywood as it is rumored that he may fight Reeves to the death. In a sneak preview… Z.B. is seen crawling through the rafters as he emerges from the shadows…. what happens next…. well we will all just have to wait and see. 

Although 47 Ronin has had a lot of delays and has been plagued with constant revisions and ever-changing release dates, Ronin is now scheduled for a Christmas Day release stateside. Here’s a synopsis. The troupe of banished samurai long to restore their honor and find vengeance against the treacherous Lord Kira (played by Asano, who is in theaters now as Hogun in Thor) who was responsible for the death of their master. Kai is the uneasy compatriot in their company and his standing will be questioned even more as he falls in love with Mika (Shibasaki), daughter of the fallen master. The film presents a quest where the Ronin (the term for Samurai with no master) face trials that test their mettle and their loyalty to one another. It stars Keanu Reeves as well as several famous Japanese actor (like Hiroyuki Sanada for example!) in an 18th century Samurai tale of revenge.

 It is a pleasure to witness a young talent such as Zombie Boy grow into a sought after actor. If the 4 newly released movie posters are an indication that Zombie is hot… well, just look for yourself. If a picture is worth a thousand words… then what is a poster worth? Check out his solo poster. Entitled “Outcast”, “Warrior”, “Freak” and “Witch”… can you guess which one he is?  

 

For those of you who are not familiar with Zombie Boy… before he transformed himself into living art emblazed with tattoos and disturbing morbid imagery, Zombie Boy was born Rick Genest of La Salle, Quebec and grew up in Chateauguay.  “Rico” first appeared on the world platform in the Lady Gaga’s video, Born This Way. No, that was not make-up in the video… at least not on Rico. Over 80 percent of his body is covered in tattoos, including his face. Rick’s tattoos are what he calls, his “project”. Unbeknownst to the general public, Rick Genest was not supposed to be amongst the living. In fact, as a teenager, Rick was diagnosed with a life-threatening benign brain tumor. At the age of 15, Rick underwent a surgery that many had not survived in the past. Because of the tumor’s position, his options were death or if lucky, blindness and/or to live as a vegetable. When he emerged from the surgery, he was none of the above. Rick was indeed alive and well. Defying the odds, he literally jumped off of the Grim Reaper’s deck of cards and began a new life.

 

The runaway embraced the underground Punk scene and became obsessed with body modification as he began to amass more tattoos. By age 21, the newly named Rico The Zombie or Zombie Boy… a name his friends called him; enlisted the help of tattoo artist, Frank Lewis to help execute his vision of death. Together, Lewis and Genest created a Frankenstein-like, skull-faced character with Rick Genest’s body as the canvas. For over 7 painful years, they augmented the appearance of normal, healthy, human flesh into a frightening homage to horror films. Slowly and methodically, Genest’s body was transformed from an average 5’9” man, into a decomposing, Zombie-like living corpses, with exposed rotting parts revealing the skeletal, muscular and circulatory system along with crawling insects that devour the dead. 

Photography: Colin Singer. Fashion Editor, Producer and Make-up Artist Ty-Ron Mayes. Rick Genest aka Zombie Boy wears a custom jacket designed exclusively by Coco Johnsen. Pants Dominic Louis. Jewelry, Chrishabana. Boots, Gasoline Glamour.

Genest spent thousands of Canadian dollars on tattooing his exterior and he is not done because for Zombie Boy, it’s a work in progress. Although it was incomplete, Genest’s obsession for ink led him to garner two admissions into the Guinness Book of World Records: one for the most bones tattooed on the body (134) and one for the most insects tattooed on the body (176). “My tattoos symbolize life through death, or death through life.” 

 

It wasn’t long before Hollywood took notice of the walking freak show he called Zombie Boy and he was casted to play one of the freaks in 2009’s Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant. Along with his  manager, lawyer and personal photographer Colin Singer, Zombie has been able to conquer the modeling world and push beyond the  boundaries of what is expected from a one time runaway. From the streets to the covers and runways of the world; to the silver screen and beyond…. Zombie Boy is destined to be a superstar. 

 

Ty-Ron Mayes: Your story continues to grow. How has this attention parlayed into an acting career? You just completed a movie with Keanu Reeves?

 

Zombie Boy: Yes, we were on film location in Budapest. It was my first role with a line. I have done movies with what is called figuration before. But this was my first big production with a speaking role and it is scheduled to come out in this Christmas.

 

Ty-Ron Mayes: What was your role in the movie? I understand there is an action scene? Give us a teaser.

 

Zombie Boy: Well, I haven’t seen the final cut, so let’s hope it makes it. It’s a really large budget film by Universal Studios. It’s going to be a 3D movie. The set was huge. I was really excited because I love Pirates. It’s a Pirate and Samurai movie, which is something I was very happy to be part of.

 

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15 Black Celebs Caught Whitening their Skin – Page 7 of 7 – Atlanta Black Star

Beauty Trend gone WRONG!