Fashion & Art

  1. Interview with Dawn Richard

    | Interview
    June 3, 2012

    Interview with Dawn Richard
    By Paula Renee and Cassidy Mehlman

    Former Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money singer Dawn Richard took a moment to chat with ASTONISH about fashion and personal style, her career as a solo artist, and her latest album “Armor On”.

    Photographer: Traver Rains. Editing: Emeranie. Makeup: Ashley Gomila. Hair: Carlos Jamieson. Styling: Avo Yermagyan. (DRESS Mandalay, BELTS Brave Leather, SHOES Report Signature)

    ASTONISH: Tell us about leaving Danity Kane, was it difficult to reinvent your image?

    DAWN: Not at all. Being part of a group, you only see half of the story anyway. Now I get to show the world all of me.

    ASTONISH: What did you learn from Diddy that helped you the most with your career?

    DAWN: No one will believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.

    ASTONISH: It seemed like you took that advice and ran. It must be a long journey to become a solo artist. After Danity Kane and Dirty Money, what made you continue to grow and persevere?

    DAWN: The love of music and the support of the hearts out there !

    ASTONISH: How would you describe your self as a solo artist? How has your performing style changed through the years?

    DAWN: I’ve grown into my sound now. I’m stronger as a solo artist. More creative. I’m always in beast mode (laughs).

    ASTONISH: What inspires you most when it comes to your song writing?

    DAWN: The grit of life. The most raw moments become the best jewels.

    ASTONISH: How does fashion play a role in your career? Do you have a fashion icon or someone that inspires you?

    DAWN: Fashion is the mistress to my music. It’s an obsession for me. James Dean and Tilda Swinton are my inspiration.

    ASTONISH: How do you usually portray yourself on stage? Is there a certain style you tend to go for?

    DAWN: Modern Day Joan of Arc. A warrior in the fight.

    ASTONISH: Looking at your Instagram (DawnRichard), shoes seem to be one of your loves. Describe the style of the everyday Dawn?

    DAWN: I hate rules when it comes to fashion. So I wear what I think works for me. I play with structure and hard edges. Balmain pants. A Motley Crüe t-shirt and McQueen shoes. Effortless is my style. Whatever makes me feel bad ass (laughs).

    ASTONISH: Your hair – you are back long! What enticed you to switch it up?

    DAWN: Being a woman. I’m never locked into one thing. And lost women aren’t. I’m a Leo. I have a mane that needs to live!

    ASTONISH: How do you feel about your career since becoming a successful solo artist?

    DAWN: Number 1 on iTunes in 3 hrs with no label, no features, no budget … I’d say I feel like God is good. Armor On!

    ASTONISH: Speaking of “Armor On” – your sound and beats are definitely out of the box. Where did you draw your inspiration from when creating the EP?

    DAWN: Björk and Phil Collins were strong influences. But also movie scores. I’ve listened to a lot of Hans Zimmer scores. I wanted the EP to be big and atmospheric.

    ASTONISH: What is your favorite song and why?

    DAWN: Automatic from my “Armor On” EP.  We just shot the video and it is amazing! The visual and the choreography is next level.

    ASTONISH: Now a days I can say we do not have too many performers, but for you music is not just singing. How important is it for you to incorporate choreography and costume in your videos and on stage?

    DAWN: It’s extremely important. It’s a marriage. That’s what I want to set me apart from other artists. The package. That’s why i work so hard. To be a vocalist. A dancer. A writer. A performer. Fashion and music have to go hand and hand.  And then it has to come to life!

    ASTONISH: With so much movement on stage, how does your team choose attire for your concerts that are comfortable yet fashion forward?

    DAWN: Easy. I train to be able to move in anything. I wear the most difficult and most uncomfortable things in rehearsals so that it becomes natural and easy to perform in anything.

    ASTONISH: When I looked up Dawn Richard, the first thing that popped in my head is “this girl knows dedication”. What other qualities does an artist need in order to make it in this industry?

    DAWN: Patience and balls of steel (laughs).

    ASTONISH: What is next for Dawn Richard?

    DAWN: World domination!

     

    For more of Dawn, follow her on Twitter at @DawnRichard!

  2. Interview with Makeup Artist Ashley Gomila

    | Interview
    April 2, 2012

    Written by Jessica Egbu
    Edited by Emily Claeys

    Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Ashley Gomila established her passion for make-up at age 16. A lover of fashion and discovering new hot spots around town, Ashley uses her current city of Los Angeles as inspiration for her artistry. She aspires to live her dream in the world of cosmetology and soak in as much of the sunny LA weather as she can.

    ASTONISH: Give us a little bit of your background. Where are you from?

    ASHLEY: I’m 29, from New Orleans, Louisiana. [I was] exposed to an overwhelming amount of music and art since I was a toddler. I’ve always had a passion for beauty and cosmetology; I started a cosmetology apprenticeship at age 16.

    ASTONISH: How did you get started in make-up artistry?

    ASHLEY: I got started in the make-up industry in New Orleans. I took the plunge and called an extremely notable photographer in New Orleans and he hired me the next day. Within the first year I was fortunate enough to work on major campaigns for Old Milwaukee and even on Jessica Simpson’s music video for “Angels.” After a couple years I decided to move to New York where I submerged myself into fashion and editorial work.

    ASTONISH: What have been some influences and inspirations for you as a make-up artist?

    ASHLEY: My main influence and inspiration to become a make-up artist was another Louisiana native artist, Kevyn Aucoin. I actually had the pleasure to meet him; his presence and knowledge of the business were insanely inspiring. He helped me realize that all of my professional goals could not only be achieved, but also exceeded.

    ASTONISH: When you start the process of putting make-up on someone’s face, what are some of the things you think about initially? Do you have a set creative process, or do you just go with the flow?

    ASHLEY: In the initial stages of applying make-up on a new client, I always feel for hidden bone structure. This helps an artist understand the proper spots to contour and highlight. Also, I check for dry spots, oily zones, and discoloration. All three of these areas should be addressed before anything is applied to the skin. It’s very important to even out the skin before applying moisturizer or primer.

    ASTONISH: Tell us about your experience living in Los Angeles.

    ASHLEY: Los Angeles has taught me to be fiercely independent. It has allowed me to push myself creatively and professionally. Everyday living in LA is a true test of how much you really want to achieve your goals. Sometimes when it gets tough I just think about how hard all of my clients work; I humble myself and keep going. Everyone in this industry is really working and sacrificing. Nothing good comes easily.

    ASTONISH: How does living in LA stack up when it comes to learning about the newest trends and styles in make-up?

    ASHLEY: I think living in LA does have its advantages to being aware of new trends in make-up. Make-up should depend on current fashion more than anything else. Since I am fortunate enough to live here I am hugely inspired by friends who have their own clothing lines or who are stylists. I always work very closely with my team to create looks; we are all visionaries and at the top of our fields. It’s a blessing to get input from my team; they inspire me greatly.

    ASTONISH: … how about the weather?

    ASHLEY: The weather in Los Angeles is another blessing! I love shooting on the beach, even in the winter. Also, shoots hardly ever get rescheduled due to rain.

    ASTONISH: Do you have any favorite mediums or brands?

    ASHLEY: I have a deep love for mineral shadows. My favorite eye shadow palette is “Capri” from Cattiva Cosmetics. My go-to foundations are Nars Tinted Moisturizer and Cattiva Mineral Powder, both anti-aging products. My favorite blush for spring/summer is Smashbox “O” Glow. Also, what girl doesn’t love Dior Show Mascara? These are all must-have products for make-up lovers.

    ASTONISH: Who is next on your “would love to work with” list?

    ASHLEY: Wow. Great question. I’m already so honored to have the clients that I do, but I would love to work with Jessica Biel. She’s effortlessly beautiful and always exudes class – but still seems real. She’s a great Hollywood role model.

    ASTONISH: Besides being a fabulous make-up artist, what else are you passionate about?

    ASHLEY: I love learning about fashion. I am enamored by the fashion stylists, designers, and fashion photographers that I work with. I am obsessed with fashion magazines as well. Being interviewed by Astonish is an overwhelming honor! I’m also a foodie; I love dining out at all of the amazing LA hot spots.