My interview with Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist Demetress Valentine
If you were to compare a fashion model to a blank canvas, she would be nothing without paint, brushes, inspiration, and a stellar artist. It’s on these canvases that Demetress Valentine (a.k.a. Demi, a.k.a. DV) creates amazing masterpieces that rival Michelangelo, but you won’t find her work on the Sistine Chapel.
This DC native has made a name for herself in the realms of hair styling and make up. In terms of which came first, the chicken or the egg, hair styling came first for Demi, but she can never resist creating the perfect smokey eye and matte lip.
What inspires your work?
Other accomplished makeup artists like Ve Neill, Sam Fine, and Roxanne Floyd. In addition to those artists, I look at a lot of magazines such as Zink, Nylon, Ance Paper, Vogue, InStyle, and Essence. I received this advice from my first Agent with T.H.E. Artist Agency. (T.H.E. Artist Agency is a well known agency in Georgetown, DC that represents stylists, models, actors and actresses).
Describe for me the last project you worked on.
[The] last project I worked on was a calendar shoot in Nassau called “Bahamas Gems” 2010 calendar shoot. It was sponsored by On Da Road Productions and I had one of the best times of my life! Upon arriving to Bahamas, we traveled and shot in Nassau, Eleuthera and Rose Island. All of the 12 models were beautiful and intelligent Bohemian women. The release for the calendar is November 28. Check it out!
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
Recently working on a Steve Madden campaign, [I] worked with two teen models [from Ford Modeling Agency] and they were amazing…[I] was able to get the shot in 10 frames or less. [It] makes your job and the team’s job easier when the models come to work and get the shot.
Everyone has a crazy story about a day on the job. What’s something interesting or unusual that happened to you while working?
[Once] I was doing makeup for Kai Milla (Stevie Wonder’s wife) and I had my makeup set up all neat in her hotel room when all of sudden her [public relations assistant] came in and said that we were late and that I had to do makeup in the car on the way to the event! First time for everything! But it prepared me for my press junket with Emmy Award Winner Shohreh Aghlashloo when I [ended up] doing makeup for her on the way to an interview.
What types of images inspire you?
Images that have depth, like a Poalo Roversi image. The imagery is intense and the models he uses are timeless!
If you could chose anyone, who would you love to do hair/make up for?
Solange [Knowles] or anyone on her level because she loves makeup and isn’t afraid to try the most outrageous makeup look.
What’s a goal with your craft that you have yet to achieve?
My goal is complete prosthetics training so that I can create various looks for movie and television shows. Since training is [essential] to becoming a true professional, I want to be certified prior to taking on those assignments.
If Demi wasn’t turning models into masterpieces, she jests that she would be working a 9-5 and securing a pension. After accomplishing so much, Demi describes herself as humble. Below is an image that she is particularly proud of.
What’s next for you?
I have a lot of print work scheduled, so the hustle continues to get on the [same] level as the makeup artist I admire.
Finally, what make up items should all ladies have in their bags?
Cover FX concealer, CoverGirl mascara, and NARS lip stain.
*You can view DemiV’s website here.
Thus Far in New York
The second week has been so much fun! Things are almost unpacked in the apartment, I’ll post pics soon. I decided to ditch my twin sized air bed for a grown up mattress, I was trying to save money, but I need my sleep!
Monica and I have been checking out all the local spots and walking ALL OVER Manhattan. We went out dancing at the W hotel this past week and got free drinks the whole night (we told them we were models). Everywhere we go we are making new friends. All the restaurants are amazing, we just got back from this great Thai place in Park Slope off Union Street, it was called Mango Thai. It was beyond good. Then we went to a place called the Tea Lounge where they had a live jazz band playing. I’m loving Brooklyn!
I haven’t forgotten why I came to NY thou, it’s to become successful as a model (and maybe a writer too, but a model first). This past Saturday we went to the Ford Agency Supermodel of the World competition in Manhattan. We had originally planned to get there around 7 a.m., because since it was a competition of the world, we expected it to be crowded. But, the shenanigans from the night before got us there around 1:30 p.m.
The line wasn’t bad at all and within an hour we were inside. We got some polariods taken and then waited in line to meet with the scouts. I was dismissed rather quickly. But Monica got a mini make over and additional pictures taken! I really hope she makes it to the next round. I was sad for about 5 minutes when they didn’t pick me, but I cheered up with a cafe mocha and reminded myself that it’s just the nature of the business.
Monica and I have a few more go-sees lined up before Thanksgiving. I’m also trying to land a part-time gig, NYC is expensive!! Well, that’s all I got for now, but I’m sure there will be more later! Byes.
First week in BROOKLYN!!
Sooooo I finally moved to Brooklyn last Monday (Nov. 9) and haven’t looked back since! Check out this post about my apartment.
We rented a UHAUL and Monica (my roommate and modelsoulmate) packed it to the rim, sleeper sofa and all. We left DC around 3 p.m. and about 7 tolls later (totaling almost $40!!) we arrived in Brooklyn. We began to unpack but had lost most of our steam. I was able to strong-arm the TV and microwave onto the truck but they now weighed a ton! We were both tired. Just then, a man walked by and offered to unload our entire truck, sleeper sofa and all, into our apartment for $20. We paid.
Once everything was unloaded, we jumped around and cheered because we were both so happy to finally be living in New York!! We started unpacking boxes and putting our rooms together. Then we ordered some chinese food from a local restaurant on 4th Ave. I got my bottle of Pink champagne and popped the cork. You might remember, I’d been saving that bottle since July. Monica’s a light drinker, so she had one glass. I however, finished the bottle 🙂
We’ve spent this first week exploring the city and unpacking. I’ve almost gotten the hang of the subway (almost). We’ve visited quite a few restaurants and made a handful of new friends.
Soooo now what? Well, I moved here to pursue modeling. So in 2 weeks Monica and I are going to start going to open calls for modeling agencies non stop until we find representation. It’s going to be hard, but anything ever worth having doesn’t come easy.
We don’t have internet yet in our apartment (sucky Verizon) so I’m blogging from a local coffe shop in Park Slope, BK. Monica is here too (shopping for coats online). Here we are below.
Fashionable Mondays – With A Bow on Top
Not just for presents any more, bows are making their way into the fashion world and should be arriving in your wardrobe shortly. Taken from the necks of men and the dress backs of women, bows are popping up everywhere. They are adorable, classic, whimsical, cute, and everything in between. Let’s talk about a way to tie a few (get it, tie? like tie a bow? lol) into your wardrobe- not including with you do with your tennis shoes laces.
Here are some of my favorite items with bows…
Classic! I love this shoe by Christain Louboutin. Check out Bruno Frisono’s bow sandle below. At a pricy $1,095, I hope someone is giving you this as a present.
Check out these, there from an old Valentino spring collection (2008) but they are still fun and trendy.
Stockings…
LOL okay okay minus the stripper shoes I like these stockings, they are very playful.
Ok lets continue up to skirts. This Twenty8Twelve Matisse Skirt ($260) is very sheek, the color is neutral so it’s easy to match it with something.
This Pleated Skirt With Bow ($69) is chic, and everyone loves a mini.
It’s my present to you! lol.
Trendy Jackets and Blazers
I was killing time on Nordstrom’s website and saw SOOOO many chic and unique jackets and blazers! Check out some of my favorites below.
Baby it’s cold outside!
So put on a coat! No, not just any coat. Please don’t tell me you’re sporting the Alaska puff coat just yet! It’s still fall! For autum’s sake! Put on a pea coat. Check out these below.
First one is from The Gap. It’s military inspired, and tweed!
It’s not so evident in the store, but you can get more than panties from Victoria’s Secret.
This amazingly stunning pea coat with button detail down the back is on my wish list!
This next one from Guess is a favorite of mine because number one it’s purple! And number two, look at the detailing at the bottom, quite different.
This last one is a baby doll pea coat from Michael Kors.
Jimmy Choo for H&M
What a better combination of luxury and affordability? Tamara Mellon, founder and president of Jimmy Choo, has been giving us sexy shoes and bags for over ten years.
Now she’s teamed up with H&M to provide us with a chic, trendy and edgy line of accesories and clothing.
“We really wanted to give people the DNA of Jimmy Choo,” stated Mellon. The collection hits H&M November 14. H&M announced on their website that they are expecting a crowd. Check out some of my favorite pieces below.
Jil Sander Shoes
Sometimes you get tired of the basic pump or stale platform. I stumbled across this shoe designer and found her footwear to be delicious. Enjoy.
What’s in a Necklace?
It’s about time this accessory got vamped up. Free yourself from simple chains and boring beads. Have something fabulous hanging from your neck.
Big, bold, striking and embellished, fashion statement necklaces are a must have for this fall/winter, and are the best way to “one-up” an otherwise simple ensemble.
Necklaces no longer need to be chained in. Trade in your metal clasp for a silk ribbon. Check out this ribbon necklace from Diva, everything is better with a bow! It’s only $26
Even better, take out most of the hardware all together. Who said a neckace can’t be composed of fabrics. This La Via 18 Chiffon necklace is adorable and classic.
Now, another option for bigger than big necklaces is sort of like a collage of different pieces all connected. These bulky necklaces have a lot going on. See a few of my favorites below.
This one is from Juicy Couture.
This last one, from Banana Republic combines several different beads and chains to create a elegant look.
Naomi, etc. 