Cover Boy

2013 has passed, and being a rather harsh self-critic, since I know what I want from myself as a creative director, I wanted to publish one of the most incredible experiences of last year for me – coming from in front of the lens. Being featured on the cover of the September 2013 JAVA magazine was for me a highlight and honor of 2013. 

While my instinct is to be directing shoots and productions, or creating from behind scenes and not the subject of the shoot, this experience for me was amazing.  And this is the best way I know to deeply thank each member of the creative team: the editor, the location managers and owners, as well as the make-up and hair stylists who made this possible. 

I was impressed and honored by the depth of the interview and analysis of what happened to my line of work in the last three years, as well as my transition into public work and media. I have great respect for those that for years have opened a trench in the world of style, photography, fashion and written editorials about fashion.

At a end of summer afternoon, I received a call on behalf of JAVA magazine‘s editor, Robert Sentinery, to be interviewed by the talented artist Mrs. “Kristin Bauer“. I was asked by Kristin to sit down and have a one-on-one interview about me, talk about some of my new endeavors and about some of my experiences, since coming to the U.S.  The timing of all this was overwhelming coming on the heels of a series of appearances and articles in a few other local publications.

Kristin and I met up on a warm Tuesday morning at the very trendy LUX Coffee in Phoenix and we staked out a little corner in the cafe. (If you have not been there, I suggest trying them out for breakfast – it is wonderful.) With her very stylish Ray-Ban lunettes and sporting a Jean Paul Gaultier B&W marine-inspired dress (with killer Dolce & Gabanna pumps), we sat with enormous coffee in hand (her) and a yummy steak & salad (me) and chatted about what was then called “The art of being OSCAR”. What it was scheduled an hour, end up in a almost three hours of shared life experiences, art, culture, travels, and of course, fashion throughout my life.

Little did I know that part of the collaboration was to work with Mr. Chris Loomis, and little did I know that we would pick sites that I’ve designed and lastly, little did I know that I would have the pleasure to direct my own photoshoot.

Here are some of the pictures that did not make it to the the final publication, but whose artistic value has incredible meaning to it. As I mentioned, the creative team was such a pleasure to work with, which I think comes out in the final result.

As a location, I picked sites that meant something to me. The first one was SMOCA, (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) as I am an active member of the board and I have seen in my tenure the museum changed and to have a life that its new director Mr. Tim Rodgers have orchestrated like no other.

The first outfit was not the prefered coloring for the interiors, then Mr. Loomis directed a change for something with more color and more bright, more vibrant ensemble, this to somehow create a juxtaposition to the very contemporary environment of the interior of the museum, creating a statue feel, where the subject sets itself aside, out and exposed from the environment (the contrary of a chameleon) He requested a more colorful palette, and, so, I did!

As a second location, I picked one of the art galleries – The Gebert Contemporary in Scottsdale –  which was designed in the architectural office with whihc I worked for 10 years, Architectural Alliance Inc. A design from the hand of Mr. Doyle Hostetler and Mr. Michael J. Munninger of which I had the pleasure to be part of the creative team. Coincidentally, this gallery was a site that years later held one of my first production ideas and fundraisers to The Point Foundation – Arizona Chapter.

For this setting, I opted for a black and white ensemble with several patterns on the bow tie, jacket and handkerchief  – all complemented by a pair of studded peak ankle boots in black. The elements of steel surrounding the interior of the space are replicated within elements of my fashion choices such as the metal studded shoes, the cufflinks, the belt buckle, my watch and the rings on my hands.

As a final location, I simply had to include one of my recent interior remodel sand decoration projects in the city of Phoenix. A loft for Dr. Kevin Axx in downtown Phoenix at the ONE LEXINGTON condominiums, whose interior design were transformed into a very modern and slick design that for sure would compete with any sophisticated city loft around the world.

Here, I chose the Madmen version, the sophisticated gentleman, the night-time man. I opted to wear a soft patterned jacket with a very blue and white sophisticated oversized bow tie. But the kick-of-it-all? The flower on the lapel. During the shoot however, I decided to cut the hat, as the resulting look was too much of a costume.  The result? I think that we brought together a  modern twist on the 1950’s  All-American male.

Even though many of these images did not make it into the magazine, they hold a special meaning for me, with the creative team, the photographer and how the entire experience allowed me to show a different side.

I was passing through a lobby, waiting for a good friend and then, I saw this…
Talking about feeling intimidated, and honored all at once.

And here is what subscribers saw inside the magazine.

The four-page spread in this issue was simply a hit! I am pleased that it received such a positive response – from the many texts, emails, messages from people I know – to the people who just talked me on the street about the very “suave” result of the editorial. And once again – little did I know, that the interview ended up being one of the most read editorials of the year!

And, now, after this, I am eager to see what is next, and what is coming.  I am grateful for the attention and exposure, and I am thankful for the chance to be featured in this terrific publication and I hope to continue the Art of Being OSCAR for a long time…

P.S. a note of thanks for the help of my manager and PR agent: Mr. Tony Felice PR & Image Management and my direct agent: Mrs. Ana Tacket.

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