CARAVAN NYC
11-23-2020
By Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio – jrfstudio.com
Claudine DeSola and Janine Just are never short of a vision. For this duo, like many, the pandemic proved a bit more than a challenge. With an NYC-based Content Studio, their in-person branded experiences and photoshoot programming came to a halt. What was about to be their best year yet, suddenly took a tumble. It was time to pivot and pivot quickly. What blossomed from a lot of trial and error of ideation during Quarantine soon developed into the Caravan Social Club.
“Our virtual photoshoots, while not the perfect fix for in-person shoots, have proven to not only be an uplifting experience but giving the opportunity for many to continue to create and have a platform to share their story and what they’re working on. All while connecting to a community of members who are resourceful and looking to collaborate and work together,” exclaims Just. “What we found through all of this, the silver lining, is we’re able to span across the country and work with so many creatives and content creators in literally hours. We photographed 63 Content Creators in 2 days, virtual road-trippin’ to all 50 States. We simply could not manage that for an in-person experience. It’s allowing us to further our reach than just the NY area and extend from our studio bubble” DeSola chimes in.
Taken from their Curated Gallery Series, “Meet the Designers,” we’re profiling some of the designers from their recent virtual photoshoot. We meet Rami Kashou, who has dressed many celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, and Heidi Klum. He is currently working on the “ADR” project; a line of limited edition "collectable" ornamented genderless masks as a nod to his Palestinian roots and heritage. Lizzy Lahive, behind the label LAHIVE, is based in LA, where her collection is both designed and made — mostly from dead-stock and remaining fabric from major houses that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Norma Baker who’s based on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation is the designer behind Red Berry Woman. The inspiration for Baker’s work comes from her Native American culture. Amaka Ikpeazu, behind the brand, Prayers and Plans, spans all the way to London and makes some of the most luxurious loungewear with sustainable fabrics. Bree Billiter who is a recent graduate of Massachusetts College of art and design and designs her collection right out of her apartment in Brooklyn, NY. We round out the series highlights with the Models of Native Ruckus, the modeling trio of 3 sisters, Cinrique (Cin) Bracklin, Cadence Bracklin, and ShawneeJo Fox.
Want to become a member of the Caravan Social Club? Head on over to their website to sign-up: www.caravanstyliststudio.com or request to join their private FB Group: Caravan Social Club.
PH by Isabella Picicci