ChocolateSushiCouture- Photo shoot, March 2010

Written for Manik Magazine and
Chocolate Sushi Couture.

An Ugly Bed Sheet, and Three Lovely Ladies
Three curvy bodies in three short dresses, a bed sheet colored like a hot-air balloon, a brilliant photographer and one proud designer were all huddled on the steps of Adler Planetarium on the south end of Chicago’s infamous Lake Shore Drive on Saturday, March 6th. The sun was already gone and had taken with it all semblance of warmth. As one of the plus-size models, huddled against the cold in the luridly colored sheet, I could not help but think, “In other parts of the world, March is warm!” Then I looked at the face of Niehla Ollie, plus-size clothing designer and founder of Chocolate Sushi Couture, and remembered why I had agreed to this shoot. Niehla chatted with her photographer and braced against the cold like the rest of us. City buses and their wide-eyed drivers slowed as each model took her turn on the staircase. Just a tad below freezing usually does not count for much in a Chicago winter, but it feels like a frolic in Siberia without a coat. But the three of us clutched our sheet, pressed together and held our heads high! I have to admit, we looked fabulous. (In the dresses, not the sheet.)That thought steeled my body against the cold and planted a smile on my face when I casually leaned against the freezing banister and mentally checked the lines of my body. As the shoot started it was obvious that our brilliant photographer, Chris Woodard, was not pleased with the lighting. An excursion around the premises afforded the sights of the skyline with wedding photos being shot, and stalwart couples cuddling against the last dregs of winter, but did not uncover any power source. Teslyn, Teena and I turned out lovely even in the lack of light, a testament to Chris’ mad photo skill. After about hour or so of preliminary shooting against the Planetarium it was decided we’d cut this segment short and try for a night club. We were, after all, shooting “Girl’s Night Out” for Chocolate Sushi Couture. With the heater going full blast we traversed to Evil Olive Lounge on West Division. Bleary-eyed bartenders were still organizing glasses for the anticipated rush. Commandeering the bar in the back, the dark wood shone in the combination soft/hard lighting used for high fashion. I ensconced myself on the corner of a cushioned bench seat. My “Flounce Dress” was in a Chess color combo and made of rayon blend double-knit. The end result was a comfortable and ultimately classic night look. Feeling ridiculously chic, when I tilted my chin to catch the light, I was the center of the universe. Or the center of the Evil Olive. Whatever works. Teena, a gorgeous newcomer to world of plus-size modeling, wore the “1970’s Slammer in Pitch,” with rayon blend double -knit on top and mandarin brocade on bottom. With her pitch black hair carelessly curled and piled on her head, she was a moody diva lying across sofa cushions. Her caramel skin glowed under the lights, and it was very hard to imagine Teena being anything other than a top plus-size model. Teslyn wore the “Pocket Dress” in a goldrod Thai silk, and leaned against the bar, looking like an inescapable Venus. It was easy to see why Teslyn is quickly becoming a prolific face in the fashion industry. Alas, a party was scheduled to use the bar and management scooted us out the door. Using Chris’ connections from his yesteryears as a valet, our final location was Eugenie Terrace on the Park, a posh luxury apartment complex. After some stalwart ninja-moves (in heels, no less) we found ourselves on the 44th floor around 11pm, moving around potted plants and chairs in one of their party rooms. Our poor sheet lay strewn across a glass coffee table, garish and forgotten in this warm palace on the top floor. The stark black, white and red scheme was an unexpected delight, as was the incomparable view of the city.
We finished our shots sitting on faux-leather chairs, against blood-red walls and lounging on zebra-striped chaise lounges. Fatigue did not show in the carriage of our shoulders, even if make-up had started at 4pm and it was now approaching 2am. Once we wrapped-up, heels were exchanged for battered Uggs and pins were pulled to let down riotous curls. A languid fatigue settled over all as we loaded up equipment and pulled out of the parking garage. I leaned my head against the chilled window in the backseat, curled into my coat and stretching out my tired feet. Three sleepy models, a satisfied designer and ecstatic photographer all headed out from an accomplished night on the town. Chocolate Sushi Couture designs plus-size fashion for the curvy shopper, but colored bed sheets are not included with purchase.