C O M A

Of Fashion, Socialites and Channeling Oscar...

2009-10-24T14:31:00.024-04:00

(Oscar de la Renta's spring/summer 2010 look)

Have you ever asked yourself what or who support$ a fashion designer's empire? Well, its basically the goddesses of sales, and they come in all shapes and sizes including, the Socialite. Also, have you ever wondered how two people can come up with the same concept at the same time in different parts of the world, even in the same city? Keep reading.

On September 16, 2009 Oscar de la Renta showed the world his vision, his interpretation of wearable art for the 2010 spring/summer collection. For this event at The Tents in Bryant Park, New York City, birds of a feather flocked together to pay homage to De La Renta; kings and queens of the press, front-row bloggers, buyers, groupies, family, friends and the perennial decked out socialite including Maria Chevere de Levis.

Maria Chevere de Levis has been an avid follower of Mr. de la Renta. Consequently, Oscar's sketches made reality have embellished many of Maria's benefit galas, tasty celebrations of life or simple casual gatherings of the 'socialité' in Puerto Rico. Maria seems to embody a designer's dream come true; the perfect reverent customer.

All things considered, every season Mrs. Levis gets invited, personally, by Mr. de la Renta to his fashion shows at The Tents in New York City. Every season I usually get a call from Maria; she wants to look flawless before the claws of every vulture present at the fashion show. Her best is always accentuated using the magic of color, chiaroscuro, wands of mascara... de la Renta's and a few pounds of diamonds in case she needs to use a weapon of mass destruction. The usual breakfast imbued with Champagne, gossip, laughter, funny stories by Mr. Levis and Maria's update on her new entrepreneurial projects always precede the 'transformation' prior to the show.

The 'production' usually starts with the setting of my tungsten lights to fill the hotel room with a thousand watts, ALL is illuminated... and here is what I need to say in regards to Light and the channeling of Oscar.

This time around I sensed that Maria was, lets say, uneasy. She was experiencing the perfect discomfort a boa needs in order to shed her old skin off and come anew, at least that was my perception. "I need to look ravishing..." Maria mentioned to Oscar's crew, "I want my makeup to look different... loaded..." she addressed. It was at THAT moment that I felt the sky opening up and a torrent of information and direction started to flow upon myself. The only words I uttered were "Trust me, I know what I'm going to do."

It's not the first time I experience a Shirley McLaine moment, it's the story of my life when it comes to creativeness. Wether it's 'Yemaya', 'Chango' or 'Santa Barbara bendita', who knows, but it happens, and I go into a trance not even Whoopi (as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost) can top it off.

I finished Maria's makeup and she looked 'ravishing'. The look went perfectly with the Oscar ensemble. Diva. Star. Prima Donna. Definitely vixen. But as soon as she looked in the mirror an "Oh my god, I look like Cat Woman..." was gasped in despair. Between the Oscar team and myself she was comforted and assured. And, off she went with her favorite man, Mr. Levis, to see one of her favorite men, Mr. Oscar de la Renta, only to find out she was an imprint of the Oscar de la Renta look for spring/summer 2010. No' inside' information.

(Maria Chevere de Levis, ready for the Oscar de la Renta spring/summer 2010 show)

ps.:

As to the readers that would like another explanation other than the one from 'Oda Mae Brown' (Whoopi) in regards to the channelling and connection to the Universe, here is what I have to say from the book, Science of Mind, chapter 3, page 39:

"There is a KNOWER within us.

All man's inventions and discoveries are at this moment in that River (meaning God {or whatever you want to call it}, the intelligence of God running through us). As it flows through the brains of men whose habitual thought tends toward some particular idea and concept, those men catch and register new ideas in line with their concepts. That is why men on opposite sides of the earth who have never known each other sometimes come forth simultaneously with the same invention, the same discovery, the same story theme. Each one believes that he, personally, originated the idea; but no human being ever originates. He merely tunes in on ideas carried in the One Great Originating Mind."

Shoe Fetish Baldinini...

2009-09-26T01:25:00.009-04:00

Click on images to enlarge

And so once again I land the Baldinini, super sexy, shoe campaign for the Fall-Winter 09/10!
Shot in New York City under extreme heat. Yes, one has to suffer to look beautiful and we suffer double the amount for always photographing the advertising campaigns 6 months in advance. The winter campaigns shot during the summer and vice versa.

'Uhum', while I was in my 'square cuts', topless and in sandals (SPF 70), they were in leather and fur being blown away by a wind machine held by my flexing biceps. Sexy right? I DON'T THINK SO! But the final product is... and who cares if we passed out, had a heat stroke and the makeup melted incessantly, the shoe campaign looks great and hopefully someone is having great sex because of us, with shoes on, lol.

Keep an eye on the pages of Italian Vogue, we are there too, of course.

Ah! Did you see us in Vogue Pelle too?

Thanks for reading. Hope you had a great Summer!

Fashion Night Out...

2009-09-17T13:50:00.015-04:00

Ruben Toledo, Isabel Toledo + Karlo.
(Remember, 'click' on any photo to enlarge.)

Fashion Night Out was a success! Although it went unpredicted it was lots of fun. We were supposed to map it like this: Barney's, Bergdorf, Louis Vuitton, and then see my friend Olivier at Longchamp. But the Universe intended us to do something else, just Barney's... surrounded by glory; Ken Greene & Douglas Muller of the Hudson Valley Seed Library, Yaz Hernandez of El Museo del Barrio, Valerie & Jean of 'Ideiosyncraticfashionistas', Rod Keenan, millinery master, Cator Sparks, writter du jour, and Ruben & Isabel Toledo who graced us with their passion, style and wonderful sketches.

Side note: For the record, I think Isabel Toledo and Ruben are the hottest couple right now in the contemporary art world. Talent, passion, style, vision, 'cultura'... what else can you ask for? Woof!

Ken Greene, Douglas Muller, Maria LaBoy & Karlo.

Jean & Valerie from 'Idiosyncratic Fashionistas'

Ruben Toledo, his art, his magic, his wife's book 'Isabel Toledo, Fashion from the Inside Out'.

Thank you Vogue!

The "Walk of Shame" look at Carlos Campos...

2009-03-12T13:14:00.027-04:00

"There is no doubt there is something sexy about a person in uniform. For the Fall 2009 collection, Carlos Campos explores the darkness that comes from desire. It's the secrets that a uniform hides that Carlos is so interested in.

Whether it's a priest, a nun or a sadist, this season Carlos Campos explores the sensuality behind the man that makes the suit."
-Carlos Campos

All images copyrighted. For usage contact Ivonne Carlo Sellés at ivonnecarlo@gmail.com

"Carlos Campo's inspiration this season parlays into a pair of Pandora's eyes, and lips might as well be the ones of Harpokrates, mute. The glances are dark, ardent; possibly full of desperation from life's struggle between the unimpeachable and the human condition. The lips reflect the unspoken secret that if ever enunciated would inevitably deconstruct the rigidity of the uniform's code."
-Karlo

All Makeup, Emani Minerals. Skincare, Orlane.

Above + below in-the-making makeup...

Above + below, hair guru Ted Gibson who created magic, simply magic.

Above, Megan McIntyre for Daily Makeover Dot Com "Walk of Shame" interview, click it!

AOL feature beauty link, click it!

ssshhh!
Behind every great man there are 5 amazing women...

...award winning PR team, (L to R) Maria Laboy of LaBoy PR, Claudette Martinez, Raquel Berrios, Erin Moore...

...and photographer du-jour, Ivonne Carlo Sellés

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Links:
Carlos Campos
DailyMakeOver.com
AOL Beauty
SiTV
Emani Minerals Makeup
Orlane Skincare
Karlo's Dripbook
Ted Gibson
Photographer Ivonne Carlo Sellés

Sergio Davila, an exposé...

2008-10-11T14:07:00.034-04:00

Travis Bryant and Karlo. Guiding the makeup team through grooming for the Sergio Davila Spring + Summer Collection 09 @ the New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park, NYC.

Once again I do a show, a fashion show I must say. I don't do too many since 9/11 and after my agency in Paris closed, Atlantis. 9/11 gave me panic attacks, couldn't be in areas too enclosed, too crowded, but that is long past. You know, shows are my passion. I enjoy them, I thrive in that mayhem backstage, it makes me feel alive, happy, adrenalin rushing through my veins.

During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - New York (Spring/Summer 2009), Sergio exposed his creations and I designed the makeup for his show. Inspired by the 1930's emigration of Europeans into Peru, Sergio created looks reminiscent of that era and planted them in 2009; a fresh, comfortable, casual-elegant-with-a-bit-of-nostalgia look that is very wearable and easy to dress-up or down. I even see some of the pieces as very inter-seasonal by simply adding or subtracting layers, consequently very practical.

Sergio Davila has always had very high expectations of himself, something that inevitably gets carried over to this collection's workmanship. He also has a keen eye to spot the beautiful and the talented, and this season is not exempt from this magic. Working hand-in-hand with Mr.Davila, on the locks and twists of the new knitted collection, is Loredana Cannia, a master of twisting threads. Their collaborating journey has delivered impeccable, one-of-a-kind pieces of art that were shown at this season's presentation. It doesn't come as a surprise the marvel of this team... it takes one to know one... and they simply created magic. Bravissimo Sergio! No wonder Patrick McDonald considered Sergio's show one of his favorites!

So! Makeup! It was very simple; a light smokey eye; demure, to let the natural beauty show through. Brows? Natural. Cheeks? A very pale-pale pink. Lips? Pinch-your-lips rosé. After all these women didn't carry much makeup as cargo. As they approached "tierra" all they had to make themselves pretty was remnants of charcoal to draw around the eyes, youth, and the excitement of a new life in a new continent, America.

Thank you Sergio for your love and trust.

All images copyrighted by Ivonne Carlo Sellés (ivonnecarlo@gmail)

Ladies with an attitude
Fellows that were in the mood...

'Trazando, marcando'... Sergio's vision.

Margarita a-la-Greta, a-la-Garbo.

Backstage luuuvv!

Margarita down the runway. I even like the name of where she comes from "Belarus", sounds like Bella Russe, and she is.

Dry, dry, dry. Let the "water" dry. Water of course, I'm not going to tell you my secret potion :-)

Dot, dot, dot...

My favorite body and soul, Travis Bryant!

This item is out of stock :-P

This item is "Special Order" and only ships in private jet.

Nole Marin: "Karlo is that a real mustache?... but I saw you in Milan and you did not have it.!"
Things grow Nole, things grow... some are showers and some are growers.

Look around everywhere you turn is heartache
It's everywhere that you go...

Well, this validates my theory that in the mix is where the flavor is. This man carries in his 'jewels' Puertorican and European x's & y's. Mama & Papa, what a great mix you made!

Special thanks to Ivonne Carlo Sellés and Miguel Figueroa for documenting the show. You know its all about image babe!

I leave you with an interview with Sergio Davila on NBC:

Friends are not property...

2008-09-24T17:32:00.006-04:00

I know, I know, this is a beauty blog. It's supposed to be superficial and filled with a million tips on looking younger and fabulous 24/7. Well, guess what? As Emilio Olabarrieta of arquetipo mentioned to me at the Smithsonian gala, "I'm a beauty lover at all levels, like you are." And its true, to become beautiful, beauty has to impact all levels of your life. You have to drink it, eat it, live it, practice it, become IT. Hence you can always feel young and fabulous 24/7. So here we go, a bit of soul beauty... (posted here by facebook friend's requests)

Friends Are Not Property
(Inspired by Facebook incidents :-))

A friend of mine recently sent me a message saying "you HAVE so many beautiful people", referring to the "friends" I share on this CrackBook. I know what he meant, people that because of their inner beauty inevitably become physically GORGEOUS.

At that moment, the comment sort of shocked me. I was like, I HAVE! I HAVE? The whole idea of me "HAVING" made me very uncomfortable because HAVING struck me as if I owned them. As many of you know, one of the things I despite the most is the feeling of being limited, trapped, or someone thinking of me as an object they own. Ownership. You are MY friend, you are MY wife, MY lover, MY MY MY.

I'm a Sagitarius, if this shallow statement tells you anything after all. Put some bars around me and I'll fly further away from you, even if it is a pretty white picket fence. I may actually never come back. I'm a free soul. I'm no property and nobody owns me. I don't own friends, I share friends. I share their life. I witness their life, their happiness, their sadness, their up's and down's. They are no property.

Yesterday I witnessed one of the most beautiful moments you could share with a friend. In a corner, in Chelsea, we sat for 3 hours in an almost symbiotic state of energy and thoughts. Sometimes for long moments silent, feeling comfortable. If you have ever had that experience, you know that is one of the most awkward moments, or one of the most magical ones. It's in the presence of silence where individuals can sometimes measure their sense of communion and harmony.

We are no property of each other. Friendship has no mutually exclusive agreement of ownership. If you have the priviledge of being MY friend and vice-versa, we can just stand still and see our lives go by and share it, and celebrate LIFE!. Yes, I do have beautiful people around me. I thank you for that MY dear friends.

Smithsonian Gala...Celebrating Puertorican Culture and Achievement

2008-09-20T19:58:00.007-04:00

Soon to come... The Style and The Stilettos...

Stay tunned for the entire article...

Argentina. Mis Buenos Aires Queridos...

2008-08-19T20:07:00.055-04:00

(Eva Duarte de Peron)

If I would peel off, like an onion, all the layers of politics, social turmoil, economic chaos and a few morons that tried to govern this country, if I would peel off all those layers I would find this image. As a fabulously ensembled lady told me in La Casa de la Cultura; "Argentina has been through a lot, unfortunately, pero a pulmon nunca nos ha faltado el arte y la cultura, la clase y la elegancia." (..."but through thick and thin, art and culture, class and elegance, we've never lacked.")

And that is why I'm covering my trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina in my blog. Because beauty comes in different ways, shapes and form, and porteños and their city Buenos Aires have lots of beauty to share. I also learned at an early stage in my career that the successful people in my field, the ones that get to the top, THE fashion & beauty editors, THE hairdressers, THE makeup artists, THE art directors, THE graphic designers, THE fashion designers, THE photographers... the ones that make an impact, the ones that dictate a change, they all have a common denominator; they are all a walking encyclopedia of art and history.

And now I'm going to jump quickly to this...So to you Robert E. Bryan I dedicate this entry in COMA. Thank you for being a teacher in your own particular ways, thank you for sharing your knowledge, thank you for beautifying the world with your style and good taste!
What Mr. Bryan? You never thought you had an audience?

La Eva

!Ay Eva, ay Eva! What a story and what a woman! Overall I like her I have to say. Imagine in the 40's ? First, a WOMAN, then an actress, an illegitimate child in a super conservative and super catholic environment (the worse, estaba j*dia)... !por Dior! Tenia las de perder. But the woman found three pairs of c*jones (I think more) and went on with the life SHE wanted. Alright, she died of cancer at 33 years of age, but I think she lived a full one! And that's my way of living!

If you have a chance watch "Ni Santa, Ni Demonio. Eva Peron" a film by Juan Carlos Desanzo. I really liked it. Raw language, like I imagine conchuda people like Eva spoke. Rent it!

(Museum Eva Peron, Buenos Aires, Argentina.)

The museum of Eva Peron is presided by Evita's grandniece Cristina Álvarez Rodríguez. You must visit this place if you are in Buenos Aires. Some of Evita's dresses and accesories are on display. I was impressed by how tiny she was, definitely runway model size. There is also a pair of Parisian shoes I gagged over. The hats?! Visit, visit, you won't regret it.

The Doggies y La Caca

You know how fanatic I am about dogs! So the doggies in Argentina could never escape my images! Yes, I saw stray dogs, but not one in bad shape; the neighbors seem to take care of them. But, one thing, when you are walking in Buenos Aires, watch out for all the poo-poo on the sidewalk. Dog owners really need to understand que la mierda apesta y resbala and that they are the ones that need to pick up the caca, PLEASE!

Bar Seddon

(A sculpture from grandma Seddon. It's permanently displayed at Bar Seddon)

For all of you that don't know me, I have to tell you that when I travel I feel most comfortable, well, first, in very clean accommodations, and of dirty ones I have a few stories to tell you. Right Giorgio Ammirabile? (Lol. If you ever see us together ask us, you'll laugh.) But besides that, I adore places with essence, with stories, with well, history, even if its a bar.

(Martin Seddon of Bar Seddon and Karlo)

In San Telmo, a -hood near La Boca and after Microcentro I found this quaint bar called Bar Seddon. I guess my angels of travel are always with me and I randomly find these places. Bar Seddon is filled with art and antiques, but the air is fresh and definitely does not smell like a mausoleum. It also happens that when I walked in this gentleman called Martin greeted me. Well well well, Martin is the owner of the bar, well not really but really. Martin is the grandson of the owners/founders and pretty much runs it. So we ordered Champagne and while chatting I learned that most of the things inside the bar are antiques or pieces of art his grandmother have sculpted over the years. Great ambiance, great munchies, and great and sweet borracheras (drunkness).

Restaurante El Obrero

(Restaurant-Parrillada El Obrero in La Boca, Buenos Aires)

When you travel, do you try to find places that accelerate the dilution of your persona within the culture of the country you are visiting?

On that note,let me tell you a brief story. For a FEW hours (thank God!) I visited Puerto Madero, one of the most "hip and happening", $, areas, so they say, in Buenos Aires. It pretty much reminded me of the Financial District here in New York, the area facing the Hudson. Strolling down Puerto Madero you will be amazed by the FABULOUS and "five star" restaurants like Hooters, TGI Friday's and the like. Noooaht at all my way of experiencing porteños. Come on, I flew 12 freaking hours (thank God flat!) to see HOOTERS! NO way! Puerto Madero was a big dissapointment, pero... in my search for authenticity I found a gem called El Obrero.

El Obrero is NOT in Puerto Madero, its in La Boca, near Caminito. Don't try to get here in the evening, unless you are into kinky robbery scenes. Instead go for daylight and you will see no vampires. El Obrero is in the midst of streets que no dicen nada and of crumbling walls, but then, all of a sudden, you open door number 64 of Caffarena street and you enter El Obrero, a MUST if you visit BA. Yes, you'll find tourists here mixed with lots of locals, obreros, (plomeros for Glorimarta ) and power suits as well. But at least they are enjoying what you are enjoying too, cultura, historia and good, authentic porteño food!

(My last supper in BA and the best! @ El Obrero)

(El Obrero keeps San Cayetano at the bar, so he can keep an eye on the calles where the restaurant is, La Boca.)

El Norte

Bar-Restaurante 'El Norte' on the border of Recoleta and Tribunales -hood.
Arroz con pollo: $4.50 US

Owner of El Norte Don Rogelio, a Spaniard, with a diaria la señora Doña Marta. This is like a club I swear. He greets and meets all the locals that have been coming here for 38 years.

El Manto

Well, you know, after awhile the traveler needs to take a break from the regional food. So if your uric acid levels start hitting the roof, try El Manto, an Armenian restaurant pa' ssshhhuparse los dedos (finger licking).

Caminito in La Boca

(La Boca buildings, although some of them in really bad condition, show a beauty that cannot be taken away even in the midst of chaos.)

(Caminito, in La Boca.)

Caminito is in La Boca where Benito Quinquela Martín ancla sus pinturas (find his inspiration for his paintings). The buildings start brightening with jewel matizes as the cohabitants of this area retrieve remnants of paint from the ships that docked in La Boca in order to paint their houses. This area is also filled with artesanos almost every day. But if you want an overload of artesanias visit Caminito on Saturday or Sunday.

(A Quinquela at the Casa de la Cultura, Buenos Aires.)

Quinquela paintings depict the Buenos Aires, specifically La Boca, of the turn of the century until the 1970's. Quinquela is considered by The Institute of Pinacotecografía of the Museum of the Louvre a genius of la pintura. Quinquela does not fit into any painting style like surrealism, etc., hence he is regarded as THE one and only quinquelista. His style? Quinquelismo.

(La Boca painted by Quinquela.)

Straphangers

(Subway adv. from the Gobierno de la Cuidad)

Buenos Aires is filled with art everywhere. Poesia, paintings, fabulous arquitecture, style, beautiful women and men... so everywhere you go you are faced with a poem or the like. Even the text in the boxes of cereal and milk are poetic. I swear!

Of course the subway seats in Argentina had to be made of velour, of course. But then I thought, not too hygienic really. I kept thinking of the chinches (bed bug) invasion in New York City. They would have a feast on those benches. !Ya me empezo a picar! (I feel itchy already!).

Cultura, La Casa...

Casa de la Cultura at the El Diario La Prensa building. Salon de Oro, where they offer free concerts to the citizens of Buenos Aires EVERY SUNDAY! Don't miss it!

Here the orquestra of Orlando Trujillo with tango singer Virginia Veronica and a surprise quest Carlos Buono Quintero. Superb show! FREE!

Salon Dorado de la Casa de la Cultura.

Dead People

La Recoleta Cemetery

The cemeteries in BA are a display of art and history I would NOT have missed EVAh. You must if you visit BA. You also have to visit Chacarita (another cemetery).

La Recoleta Cemetery

The mausoleum of Rufina Cambacérès... you really don't want to know her story... la leyenda dice that she was buried alive... accidentally. oops!

Chacarita Cemetery

Not much I can say about Carlos Gardel here, I would have to write a book. But one interesting annecdote is that he was considred lento (slow) in school. Not too bright. Oh well!

Chacarita Cemetery

Alfonsina Storni... what a life. Another woman abrecaminos with a tragic ending. She also left a legacy behind her.
Hint:
Te vas Alfonsina Con tu soledad
¿Qué poemas nuevos fuíste a buscar?
Una voz antigüa De viento y de sal
Te requiebra el alma Y la está llevando
Y te vas hacia allá Como en sueños
Dormida, Alfonsina Vestida de mar...

La Recoleta Cemetery

...and last but not least, Eva Duarte de Peron's mausoleum. The only one that has flowers 365/24/7.
* "In government, one actress is enough" - Eva Peron.

En fin, my visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina was unique. It took me a few days to get over the "traveler's syndrome" of comparing cities and places. You can't do that with Argentina. It's unique, it's special. You'll also find out, that even though its in the south, you wont find THAT southern comfort inmediately, you have to be the iniciator, then they'll open up and you'll find a wonderful world... all the way down in the south.

Firenze and Milano...of Working Men, Direction, Style, Long Lost Friends and Some In-Between...

2008-07-02T12:37:00.019-04:00

My trip to Firenze and Milano was about re-connecting with what I use to do in the past and re-igniting the engines that would impulse me again every sixth month to my adored Europe. It was about style, men, fashion, long lost friends from childhood, divas that cannot and will not be forgotten, pearls, diamonds, trends, gelaterias, keeping cool in 100 degree weather and all things in-between...

En-route to Florence I stopped in Rome, where style is part of the basic necessities for living. Style, fashion, drinking (wine, champagne, after if needed, water) and then eating, that's your basic pyramid.

A hint of what is to come...

I saw the perpetual diamond as part of the men's accessories nowadays, but what caught my attention was the new "pearl" trend, either in white or black. Of course a gorgeous profile helps!

Even Salvatore Ferragamo threw pearls on the model's chest! Oh! And Emporio Armani launched Diamonds For Men, the fragrance. Well, well, well, times have changed! Don't misinterpret my lines, I'm up for change and I like what I see.

Diamonds For Men by Emporio Armani. The face of Diamonds? Josh Hartnett! Mani, keep those diamond faces coming!

Josh Hartnett and Giorgio Armani in the launch of Diamonds For Men.
I am open to anyone who would love to make me happier with some De Beers or Graff. Will you?

I did my homework but long time ago, when I was in college. Spent my tuition money on diamonds, lol. There went the veterinary career!

The Ammirabile Posse at Neil Barrett backstage... Pearls, diamonds... all jewels!

Spotted this vest at the Laura Biagiotti show.
Vests are still "happening" in very creative ways and designs. I would definitely go for it "sans le-crack". OK, OK, you have to give him credit, at least there is no "llanta" showing on the sides. He does his homework well: eats healthy and goes to the gym!

I saw mustaches galore a-la Tom Selleck and Burt Reynold (hence my new growing one in the picture above).

At Dirk Bikkembergs (below) men were super Men and bodies were hard and chunky, like the mustaches. The suits were of "sweat fabric" mixed with satin and some. Adored them!

(I'm not finish with this entry... more to come...)

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Milano was not all about work work work. Friends, even childhood friends gave the trip direction and most of all essence.

The childhood that shaped you into who you are today can never be forgotten, neither the friends that played a part in the award-winning movie of your life. Add to it a legacy, a DIVA that cannot and will not be forgotten.

Seeing your friends on the runway is always exciting!

Calle 13...

2008-03-18T12:49:00.007-04:00

..."arraso" in Chile's Viña del Mar festival...

..."arraso" in The Roxy, Buenos Aires, Argentina, almost exploding the venue...

... and hopefully will be the new International Ambassador for the Latino Commission on AIDS...

I'm beyond proud to know him and work with him... to meet him in person "es otra cosa."
Thanks Rene and Eduardo! "Without a song or dance what are we?"

BTW, Rene was so "macho con tres pares de cojones" when it came to grooming. He just sat down and was like "do me." That's a self-assured man!

Anna Sui...

2008-03-18T00:40:00.010-04:00

I wish I had a portable wind machine, girl was baking in those 60's Anna Sui's.

...her fall shoe campaign and some.

Anyone who is not from New York City loves to get iconic imagery in their photos when they are in The Big Apple, like 'cabs', street names that identify they are in NYC, herds of people, especially on the "L" train in the morning, etc. That is, of course, contrary to the local mindset of oblivion towards the everyday-life staples like 'cabs', tourists, messengers on bikes, and the subway and it's 'people crunching' to name a few. But hey, we, the city dwellers, have to admit that we live in one of the most amazing cities in the world and sometimes, with our blindfolds, we just simply ignore it while on our way out of our four walls we sip on coffee, listen to our IPod, make the to-do list... of the month, hail a cab, withdraw money from the ATM, flirt, say FCUK a hundred times, check the PDA (every minute), and do some window shopping. All simultaneously.

Don't challenge New Yorkers on multitasking. Furthermore, don't expect them to find their street corner, fire escape stairs, a cab and the local bodega muse material. We are much more than that. But to the eye of the "extranjero" sometimes that's all it matters camera-wise. Actually, a photo with such iconic images sells. Simply because it's New York City!

Re-Launching Cielo...

2008-02-14T12:11:00.008-05:00

(ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL)

Cielo Latino is about to happen again on May 13th, 2008. We are at it again, and Nuria Net from Remezcla.com has given me the starting oomph I need to dive in and wake up some people again. Here, a reminder of last year's Cielo. An interview by Nuria Net for www.Remezcla.com (<==click here for original article and rest of images.)

Fact: In 2004, Latinos accounted for 20 percent of new AIDS cases and 19 percent of total AIDS cases in the United States. The numbers speak for themselves, the AIDS pandemic keeps affecting Latinos, our communities, here at home and in Latin America. Its real, its serious, and its deadly.

Personalities such as La India, Miss Universe 2007, Gael García Bernal and more are coming together to support the cause and help save lives. And countless others from volunteers, to researchers, to photographers, stylists and development officials have put in their grain of sand to make not only the gala happen, but to educate Latinos and help eradicate AIDS once and for all.

Karlo, multifaceted makeup artist and creative director, has been one of the driving forces behind the Cielo Latino gala and one of the strongest advocates for AIDS education, especially stigma surrounding the disease. Here, in his own words, Karlo tells us why it matters to him, why he’s giving 200% of his time, energy and soul to the AIDS cause.

Name: Karlo
Age: Ageless
Occupation: Make-Up Artiste/Creative Director.
Upcoming projects: Give me some after Cielo, please. I will need it.

The first time I heard about AIDS was when I was in high school, in the news, and then jokes amongst family members in regards to the disease, homosexuality, etc. From the start, the idea of people finding others’ misfortunes comical, abhorred and upset me. I had already lost one friend to AIDS and I could not identify with those disparaging life in ANY way.

I know, I’ve always been a warrior, I’ve always challenged the "status quo". Even when I was young, there were no "bendiciones" for those hypocritical aunts and uncles who did not deserve respect, they had to earn my "bendiciones". Hence, in the eyes of those who hold fundamentalist beliefs, those who create an imbalance in justice and equality, those who destroy the community of family and promote hatred, in their eyes I am turmoil and chaos. For I will fight prejudice and unfounded alienation that is based on nothing but ignorance and lack of education. For others, those who strive for balance and equal rights and whose God is LOVE, they are my family. Those who, regardless of lineage, unconditionally love and support you in good and not-so-good times.

As a teenager, the task of building a family was a hard one. Very difficult, considering that members of my "family" were obviously out of the question. But losing to AIDS the new friendships I was starting to develop and mold into a family was the most backbreaking and heartbreaking thing. The thought of losing my best friend, whom I still call my brother, was the most overwhelming. What a sense of loss at such young age.

I decided a long time ago, as a human being, to reject all the prejudice, hypocritical, fundamentalist, religious beliefs and ignorance that some attempted to imbed in my brain. Instead, I embrace the world with a God of LOVE. Only then and with education can we eradicate this pandemic and become beauty-full human beings.

I know that working with the Latino Commission on AIDS I have taken the flag and ran with it. I thank them for trusting me. Working with them and Roy Cosme of Arcos Communications, feels like I’m constantly being guarded by a legion of angels. But the wheel, the tiny wheel that is the genesis of all the movement within my mind, body and soul is called life, and is fueled by love. If through all of this effort I can save just one life, then all exhaustion will suffice.

En exclusiva para NYRemezcla, Karlo has shared with us some of the photos from the gala journal he directed featuring Latinos supporting the cause, many of them New Yorkers. DJ Marcelo Cunning, actress Lupe Ontiveros, Latino Commission on AIDS president Denis DeLeón, singer La India and actress Patricia Velázquez express why it matters to them.

Learn how YOU can educate yourself and help out by visiting www.latinoaids.org .

Of Things To Come...

2008-02-14T00:20:00.002-05:00

Taylor Kitsh, DNA Magazine, And+Men... and more drama!
Keep checking. Thanks for reading ;-)

Calvin Klein Underwear. A Celebration!

2007-11-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

A photo-editorial I produced for Collezioni Uomo celebrating the 25 years of Calvin Klein undies... what a celebration... what a glorious day!

Photography by: Joe Oppedisano
Fashion Editor and Styling: Giorgio Ammirabile @ Unali Artists, NYC
Hair: Adrian DeBerardinis
MakeUp and Production: Karlo for MAC Cosmetics @ Unali Artits, NYC
Location: The Rivington Hotel, NYC

Travis from B1 Models

Travis and I in-the-making

Tyler Garceau @ Major Models

James Guardino @ Major Models

Nelson @ Red Models

Travis @ B1 Models

Carlens @ Red Models

Ryan Cooper @ New York Model Management

Jensen @ New York Model Management

Ryan Daharsh @ Major Models

Brian Jankic @ New York Models

Dare @ B1 Models

Thanks to all of you that made this possible. Thank you Joe for being available... Tom Eubanks, Joe's agent... Allesandro and Giorgio from Collezioni for trusting me.... Jeffrey Felshaw at The Rivington for such a fabulous suite!... Ivonne Carlo Sellés for helping me rub these men and run like a mad woman in order to feed the gods! Yes, Giorgio still owes you 60 bucks, lol... Miguel Figueroa for waking up Ivonne... and last but not least, Jay at Calvin Klein for opening up the CK archives, and also for filling our personal intimate drawers with Calvin.

PD.: Joe, next time please do not improvise with the lights and its covers, we could have burned in hell, lol.

LALA Land...

2007-11-16T15:00:00.002-05:00

A series of images for the Baldinini Spring/Summer shoe campaign. Shot in LALA land... look in Italian Vogue Feb. issue!

Excuse me, it is MY honor...

2007-10-25T23:33:00.000-04:00

It was an honor to have been chosen to be in a section of El Nuevo Dia newspaper called "Vidas Unicas" or Unique Lives translated literally. Following is the original article from the newspaper written by Janirah Figueroa Fontánez. Thanks to all of you that have given me the opportunity to tweak your lives with a little beauty.

Thank you Janirah! Thank you Francisco!

My apologies to the non-Spanish speaking community, but the newspaper is in Spanish.

La Belleza al Poder

(Photo by Javier Romero)

http://www.elnuevodia.com/diario/noticia/vidasunicas/noticias/la_belleza_al_poder/302825

By Janirah Figueroa Fontánez/ Especial para El Nuevo Día

Aunque en su trabajo se dedica a ocultar las imperfecciones de modelos, reinas de bellezas y celebridades internacionales, Karlo sabe distinguir muy bien entre lo superfluo y lo sustancial.

El secreto de su poder está en su maleta negra, donde guarda sombras multicolores, rímel, pintalabios, brochas y otras herramientas de su oficio de maquillista, uno que descubrió cuando estudiaba Veterinaria y con el que se ha dado a conocer en todo el mundo.

Capaz de crear imágenes de ensueño con su paleta de maquillaje, este as de la belleza también tiene la capacidad de reconocer la injusticia que parece invisible y actuar sin titubeos cuando se trata de dar una mano a los que, como él, alguna vez han sufrido la discriminación sólo por ser “diferentes”.

Cuando ocurrió el ataque a las Torres Gemelas en la ciudad de Nueva York, no lo pensó dos veces para trabajar como voluntario en uno de los centros del Ejército de Salvación, donde tenía que escuchar a los bomberos y policías que trabajaban en la Zona Cero.

Aunque por poco se vuelve loco lidiando con el sufrimiento psicológico de los que ayudaron a rescatar a las miles de víctimas de esta tragedia siempre recuerda con orgullo cómo puso su granito de arena en la reconstrucción de una ciudad que ha sido su hogar en los últimos 14 años y la que le ha brindado tantos éxitos profesionales.

Su amor por la belleza comenzó desde niño mientras veía a su progenitora, Violeta Colón, vestirse y maquillarse antes de salir de paseo con él los domingos. Karlo se fascinaba al ver la transformación de su propia madre. Ese antes y después que hace la diferencia entre ser la reina o la primera finalista en un certamen de belleza o lo que determina si la modelo será la portada de la revista de moda.

Desde muy jovencito también se dio cuenta que, “era diferente”. Con lágrimas en los ojos, nos confiesa que, por ser distinto a los demás, sufrió la burla de muchos niños de su vecindario y hasta el rechazo de algunos miembros de su familia. Karlo prefiere no aludir a su orientación sexual y, ante la pregunta directa de si es gay insiste en que el nunca responde a esa cuestión y que, en definitiva, “qué importa”.

Pero Karlo siempre ha tenido el apoyo de su madre, quien, con mucho esfuerzo y sacrificio, lo crió sin la ayuda de su padre y ha estado ahí en las buenas y en las malas. “Ella es mi tesoro”.

Irónicamente, esas mismas cualidades que lo hicieron víctima de la intolerancia social durante su adolescencia, fueron las que lo convirtieron años más tarde en uno de los artistas del maquillaje más reconocidos de su generación. Alguien que con su brocha mágica le ha dado resplandor a los rostros de figuras publicas como Denise Quiñones, Dayanara Torres, Paulina Rubio y Marc Anthony.

Autor de famosas sesiones de belleza para revistas como Vogue, W, Fashion of the Times, Karlo ha sido el director creativo de desfiles de moda de diseñadores internacionales, y el creador de los conceptos creativos de las campañas publicitarias de la película “Hairspray”, el sistema de videojuegos XBOX 360 y la línea de calzado de la diseñadora Anna Sui.

“Siempre fui súper creativo”, afirma el artista, “aunque un poco tímido. Se me hacía bien difícil hablar con la gente que me rodeaba porque tenía una manera diferente de pensar. Nunca me gustaban las mismas cosas que le gustaban a todo el mundo. Mi vida completa, hasta que me fui de Puerto Rico, tuvo ese denominador común”.

Tras graduarse de escuela superior del Colegio Nuestra Señora de Belén, Karlo ingresó a Wittenberg University, en Springfield, Ohio. “Yo pensaba, bueno, me gustan los animales, soy buen estudiante, pues vamos a ser veterinario, pero no di pie con bola porque no me gustaban ni la química ni el cálculo”, recuerda entre risas sobre cómo decidió estudiar la carrera equivocada en sus años universitarios. “De ahí brinqué a negocios y me quedé en mercadeo”.

Gracias a ese afortunado error, Karlo descubre su verdadera pasión profesional: el campo de la belleza. Inicialmente, labora como modelo de pasarela y anuncios de televisión en la Isla. Luego, a principios de los 90, decide probar fortuna en la Gran Manzana, pero las casas de modelaje lo consideraban “demasiado europeo” para el mercado anglosajón.

Desesperado, pero con muchos deseos de triunfar, Karlo no vio otra opción que buscar trabajo en una tienda por departamentos para sobrevivir. “Lo único que yo conocía de Nueva York era Sak’s 5th Avenue, así que decidí ir a la tienda y pedir una solicitud de trabajo”. Allí comenzó a laborar en el departamento de diseñadores y, en muy pocos meses, lo trasladaron al departamento de belleza, donde un buen día le preguntaron si sabía maquillar.

Karlo, sin dudarlo, dijo que sí. Una respuesta que le cambió la vida. “Trabajé como dos semanas con la línea de Christian Dior hasta que Channel me roba y estuve un año y medio haciendo promociones de belleza con esa compañía”.

Con su buen ojo y originalidad, el talento de Karlo para el maquillaje empezó a dar de que hablar en la Gran Ciudad, por lo que las ofertas de trabajo para revistas y compañías comerciales se multiplicaron. El siguiente paso, fue reclutar a Dennis Reed, quien fungió como su agente hasta que sorpresivamente falleció de VIH/SIDA en el 1991.

“Fue algo fulminante porque Dennis duró tres meses. Me impactó mucho porque él era la mitad o más de lo que empezó a ser Karlo. Tenía unas conexiones con los editores de revistas y con las casas de publicidad increíbles. Yo era su artista. Al morir, se me quiso caer el mundo”.

Con mucho pesar, Karlo también ha vivido la pérdida de otros de sus amigos a causa de esta temible enfermedad, experiencias que lo motivaron a trabajar como voluntario de Cielo Latino, la gala anual de recaudación de fondos de la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA, organización sin fines de lucro que ayuda a los pacientes hispanos de VIH/SIDA en Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico.

Con su sensibilidad y sentido estético, Karlo dirigió el concepto creativo del Journal del evento, producción que reunió a figuras como la ex Miss Universo, Zuleyka Rivera, la cantante La India, la periodista Natalie Morales y las actrices Patricia Velázquez y Lupe Ontiveros con el objetivo de educar a la comunidad hispana sobre la importancia de prevenir el SIDA.

“Lo que me impulsó por esos cuatro meses”, explica el maquillista, “a no tener mis ocho horas de sueño, era que yo me decía a mí mismo, wow, si yo trabajo en este proyecto podría salvar por lo menos una vida. Y ¿qué más se puede pedir?”.

Así es Karlo. Un artista que encuentra el glamour y la belleza en una mirada, una sonrisa o una mano amiga. Un ser humano sensible ante la adversidad.

Para este creador de imágenes, maquillar no es la simple acción de aplicar sombras o pintalabios a una cara, sino un arte que requiere estudio, disciplina y originalidad. “Algunas veces subestimamos el poder de la belleza; la belleza es una actitud que en realidad te define como persona”, dice Karlo, sintetizando así su filosofía de vida.

Back to Fashon Guik. Spring/Summer 2008 Collections

2007-09-01T13:44:00.000-04:00

(The model Omahyra after a makeup test I did for the Carlos Campos show)

Yes, it's been a while after September 11, 2001 when I started getting panic attacks and did not feel comfortable in enclosed areas like The Tents at Bryant Park, where most of the New York Fashion shows take place...

So, little by little with the help of Xanax, Champagne and Tequila, of course, not taken simultaneously, you get back to "normal," if "normal" I can ever be. To this concoction add a little bit of healing time and... you can now take the subway, go over bridges, be comfortable in high-rise buildings and, sort of, enjoy flying once again without slapping a few flight attendants and getting kicked out of the freaking plane a-la Zuleyka Rivera. Hence, your life gets back to business and you start finding the pieces of the puzzle you were missing.

This season for the Spring/Summer 2008 Men's/Women's Collections I'm happy! You have to understand that I love the creative process you go through in order to mold a look that will fit, flawlessly, the designer's concept for that specific season; the message he or she wants to communicate to all the fashion editors, thus giving "la moda" and beauty direction. I have to tell you that I thrive in the backstage mayhem as I feel the people and their energy. Then, at some point between prepping backstage and having the first model in the chair, tunnel-vision sets in order to deliver my product "perfectamente" and have all the models ready 15 minutes before the show starts. You can't stop me.

Here are excerpts from the press-release. I'll give you some fun images after the shows!

Carlos Campos*: For Carlos Campos, Karlo has designed a fresh sun-kissed face reminiscent of the aristocracy that sailed off the coast of Acapulco, Palm Beach, St. Tropez and Portofino in the 80's, where they inevitably glamorized their faces for nightlife celebration. Decked out men, super-chic women. Omahyra will embody all the glamour.

(Omahyra after makeup at Carlos Campos show. Spring/Summer 2008)

(Me, myself and I in all-action @ Carlos Campos Show. My fake tan and full lips worked! LOL! Thanks WireIMAGE!)

(Carlos Campos final look @ the runway.)
Click on images to enlarge!

Sergio Davila: Karlo has chosen "a new country club man" theme for Sergio Davila's "Soho club meets Havana club" inspiration for his Spring 2008 men's collection. "…it's a 2008 approach to it, we DO NOT bake under the sun anymore. Today's man is aware of the cumulative negative effects of the sun on our skin… but he still likes to play, under the sun."

(I meant (in the video) the look was "when you blush kind of deal, when you get that blood rush to your face, the Prince Harry look, LOL!)

Keith Michael*: Keith Michael's show is about timeless beauty. Barbie doll lips, beautiful eyes a-la Twiggy and flawless porcelain skin. "Keith collection portrays to me the ultimate sheltered girl, sweet, beautiful, romantic, educated… she's the Grace Kelly all women want to be," Karlo comments.

(America's Next Top Model Melrose for the Keith Michael hair and makeup test. This is the final look!)

See you all soon, maybe backstage, and thanks for reading.

* Makeup sponsored by Borghese.

The Red Carpet @ Hairspray...

2007-07-18T00:52:00.000-04:00

(After Party @ The Roseland)

(James Marsden @ the Red Carpet)

(Full Marsden ;-) in Dolce and Gabanna)

(Mr. and Mrs. Marden. Mrs. Marsden has THE one and only body.)

(Stephanie Canciello (my agent), James Marsden and Karlo @ the after party.)

(James Marsden and Alexa Vega.)

(Sureal @ the afterparty of Hairspray!)

(Bob Shaye, Executive Producer)

(Adan Shankman, Executive Producer and Choreographer)

Collezioni Uomo and James Marsden without hairspray...

2007-06-28T00:27:00.000-04:00

(Cover of Collezioni Uomo 2007/08. James Marsden.)

In-the-making of the cover:

Stephanie Canciello, president of Unali Artists, spent a month producing this cover even while she was on vacation amongst Polar Bears and all, drove 8 hours to-and-from Rhode Island, and worked on lots and lots of other etceteras (mind she still owes me an iceberg). Giorgio Ammirabile flew trunks full of designers clothes from Italy, mingled with "Calle 13" and went to many sample sales. Karlo (me :-), molded hair, painted, and told Katie Bleacher she could not have guests in her own country home while we were retouching James, lol. And last but not least, Bleacher & Everard captured the right moments and angles for the cover of Collezioni Uomo's "Confessions of a Superhero" with James Marsden.

Of course it is team work! You kidding? We all at one point molded, re-molded, shaped and re-shaped plans, courses of action, direction, location, images and even the tuna from Legal Sea Foods (this location sucks, the service is horrendous, the tuna was like rubber and people don't have style!). Still, considering all the elements against us, everything turned out pretty seamless, shiny, flawless and we defied hail and wind without having to use an ounce of Hairspray. (Note: If you still have cans of hairspray at home, recycle them. In mosquito infested areas, point at the insect and spray, it's wings will immediately stick together preventing the horrible creature from flying, now you'll have a walking mosquito. Or the other option would be to ship them to New Jersey. The hairspray cans I mean.)

Things you should know:

James Marsden plays Corny Collins in the remake of the movie Hairspray. His character was originally played by Shawn Thompson in the 1988 original directed by John Waters. John Travolta has taken the hilarious and challenging role of Edna Turnblad, originally played by the one and only DIVINE ! The rest of the cast? Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, ZacEfron, Britanny Snow, Amanda Bynes, Eliyah Kelly, Allison Janney and Nikki Blonsky.

Did you take a look at Mr. Marsden resume? Of course you did! Now gently add this movie, his face, his body. No wonder Collezioni Uomo wanted more than a cover from handsome James. An interview and a fashion spread follows the cover...

Hairspray was not used in the grooming process.

Odile Lecoin is key for supple skin right before makeup.

To the naked eye, even when you have applied makeup, a man's skin should read: sans maquillage!

On occasion one just needs to enhance the natural beauty and voilà, the spotlight is on.

A hair product that creates texture without oiliness or weighing it down was crucial. I'm not going to tell you the secret. Ask your Mom.

Ok, so I have you, girls and guys, already in love with James , but I'm not done. Let me throw you some Confessions Of a Makeup Artiste:

My personal experience with Mr. Marsden? A true gem and gentleman. Yes ladies I know, but what else can I tell you if not the truth. You are probably twirling on the floor or hanging from the ceiling fan spinning around, but men like this still exist. He was on-time, he worked WITH us, he was patient, he had a sense of humor. He knew his light, he knew his angles, and I could go on and on about James... Ah! and the light salt and pepper hair you see? Its natural. So hit yourself now with the computer mouse, it's not a dream. You are qualified now to discard your husband and jettison him to Marsden Camp. Wait! His waist? 29. Something not even the stylist could believe before meeting him in person. Right Giorgio?

Well, it's almost time to say goodbye, but not without saying that it was a pleasure to work with TALENTED, PROFESSIONAL, SENSIBLE HUMAN BEINGS where there is no room for uncalled attitude and pretentiousness. Besides, isn't the latter traits of insecurity?

It was such gusto! to directly and/or indirectly collaborate with members of this team like Jillian Fowkes, Tara Friedlander, James Marsden, Alessandro Ferrari, Giorgio Ammirabile, Antonio Guerra and family, Katie Bleacher & Dean Everard and of course the woman at the prow of it all Stephanie Canciello. Thanks Steph! Thanks Alessandro and Giorgio for the trust! Thanks Collezioni for holding the magazine for this shoot! Until next time!

Cielo Latino, an unexpected passion...

2007-05-22T00:08:00.001-04:00

All images by bleacher+everard (copyrighted)

Click on images to enlarge!

(Above: India, opening the Cielo Latino "Coffee Table Magazine")

Days, evenings... nights without sleep... my urge for perfection has stolen my stillness, again.

Cielo Latino, the benefit gala for the Latino Commission on AIDS has enveloped me in an unimaginable way. My job? To glamorize the event. The results? The production and art direction of an AIDS campaign worth over a quarter million dollars; a "Coffee Table Magazine" which feature those which in one way or another have supported the AIDS cause and quotes from their rationale as to why they are involved in the AIDS battle. A list of designers who have donated to the Cielo silent auction. A growing list of celebrities that have said "presente" for the AIDS cause. A first-time Greeting Committee for the Cielo Latino gala. A new International Ambassador for the LCOA and recipient of the ILKA Award, Gael Garcia Bernal... and last but not least, the unleashing for a new passion that simply makes me feel more HUMAN!

What a journey this has been! The one to blame? Elias Guerrero, friend, Medical Director of the Institute for Authentic Process Healing and board member for the LCOA. He introduced me to Cielo Latino some 5 years ago.

Second one to blame? Roy Cosme, President and CEO of Arcos Communications. Roy has listened to me, believed in me and given me direction, support and an office. Thanks Roy, Marc, Deborah Garcia, Yai, Rina, Barbara!

Third to blame? Stephanie Canciello. My agent, and one of the essential corners that make up this trilogy that developed the concept (Roy, Stephanie and Karlo).

(Above: Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006 and Dennis DeLeon, President of the LCOA)

Zuly, as her friends, colleagues and family call her... Well, I am in awe with Zuleyka, I have nothing to say but that she was unbelievable. Everyone from the creative team and then some were just in shock. I want to thank Roston Ogata and Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, for their support and immediate assistance. Farewell Zuleyka on this year as Miss Universe! A new beginning could be born!

Dennis DeLeon! What an inspiration! The driving force behind the Latino Commission on AIDS. "Luchador", an example some of us should follow meticulously. A lesson in humbleness and what really matters in life. My favorite image, so strong, so engaging!

(Above: Celebrity DJ, Marcelo Cunning and MSNBC National Correspondent for the "Today Show" Natalie Morales)

Music could not be left out in this spread, hence Marcelo Cunning of Nacotheque, whom I call "Defensor de la Cultura." The Nacotheque reviews (his bi-weekly parties in NYC) in The New York Times and New York Magazine are only but outstanding. "Thank you for the music...without a song or dance, what are we?"- ABBA.

Natalie Morales? Can I tell you just one thing? Sweet as sweet can be. Not to mention talented, smart... you name it. This woman has the schedule from hell (at least for me, I'm not a morning person at all), no time to waste. She's a business woman, a mother and a wife, but still gave her time for Cielo. At the photoshooot she was right on time, stroke a pose, gave us her best, taught her P.R. agent about Puertorican cuisine (and it wasn't J-Lo at Barbara Walters, thank God), spoke to us about her family (Puertorican father and Brazilian mother), and on top of that had time to write us an email about how happy she was to have met us and work with us. This is wonder woman! Thanks Natalie! Oh! one more thing, she was the MC for Cielo Latino, and that was from 6 PM to 11PM, go back to her schedule and do the math.

(Above: Singer Jean and Lupe Ontiveros, actress/AIDS activist.)

Jean (Rodriguez) stood handsome in all the photos for the journal and gave an outstanding performance at the event. His grace and charisma envelope men and women alike.

Lupe, what can I say of Lupe? Lupe is unique. Lupe is direct. Lupe is transparent. Lupe is a woman. Lupe is "tres pares de cojo..." What a spirit. What a life. What an amazing attitude. God bless you Lupe, keep up the good work and I hope we can collaborate more in the future. We all love you!

(Above: Patricia Velasquez, actress, model, philanthropist and mother; and Guillermo Chacón, Vice President of the LCOA)

When Patricia first heard about this project I was producing, she committed without hesitation before I could even ask her. She was going to be there for the LCOA, as simple as that. So in the middle of her own benefit gala preparation for the Wayuu Taya Foundation, Patricia gave us four hours of her time to save lives. Thanks Patrica for all the love and support. Hugs from all at Arcos Communications and the LCOA.

If I ever have the opportunity to choose a father, I would choose Guillermo Chacon. I've already told his wife Donna, just in case he wants to adopt me. It would be an out-of-the-box kind of situation, but it's OK, we are use to thinking outside of it anyways. The camera loves him, but what else can I say, its a reflection of the love he spreads around the world working for the LCOA. Donna, keep an eye, you know, these images might take him to the cover of People's magazine 50 most beautiful people issue. Watch out!

But how about the opening of the spread? India. "Se te paran los pelos" when you hear this woman sing. She gave us passion, "chispa," sensuality, charisma... she's so alluring. Watch her sing and you might as well stop dancing just to admire such spectacle. When she gives it to you, it's a 100% or nothing! She worked it. Thank you India.

(Above: Any resemblance to Karlo is purely coincidental)

Oh well, what can I say? It was a great journey and one that was definitely not lonely. For the success this journal has had already cannot be credited to one single person or organization alone. There are many to thank. The synergy of all these people's work has created this "Cielo Latino Coffee Table Magazine." The "Magazine" headed the printed program for Cielo Latino on May 23, 2007 at Cipriani Wall Street. I'm proud to have worked in collaboration with these wonderful people, otherwise this would not have been able to come to life. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart:

Katie Bleacher and Dean Everard, photographers. Johanna Laracuente, stylist. Antonio Zazua, hairstylist. Javier Romero, retoucher. Jun Olman, videographer. Eagle's Nest Studios/ Grant Leduc. Diamante Studios/ Ben DeJesus. Stephanie Canciello, president of Unali Artists, Inc. The Arcos Communications family; Roy Cosme, President ; Debora Garcia, Account Executive; Yai, Rena, Marc and Barbara. Daniel Ravelo, graphic designer/ LCOA. India, Ana, Natalie Morales, Megan, Jean, Patricia Velasquez, Guillermo Chacon, Dennis DeLeon, Daniel Connolly, Elayne Monnens, Zuleyka Rivera, Marcelo Cunning, Lupe Ontiveros, Latino Royalty, Carlos Campos, Alvin Valley, Juicy Couture, Monif C., Diesel, Moschino, Ben Sherman, Aldo, Guissepe Zannoti, Erika Peña, Ben-Amun, Ted Baker London, D&G, Frye, J. Lindeberg, Rod Keenan, David Yurman and Francesco Smalto.

Special thanks to: Gael Garcia Bernal, Katina, Pablo Meyer, Karina Vieira and Denise Quiñones.

I reiterate my gratitude to Arcos Communications and the Latino Commission on AIDS for their trust, hard collaborative work and being open to new ways and ideas to reach out and make people more aware of AIDS.

Cielo Latino Making off Shooting by Jun Olman

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My gratitude also to the members of the Greeting Committee: Javier Boné (La Perla), Jose Santori, Catherine Correa, Sebastian Burd, Carmen Verdeal, Hernan Rincon, Florencia Minniti and Michelle Otero.

Cielo Latino Gala images...

2007-05-21T23:23:00.000-04:00

And they lived happily ever after, drank Bellinis (the signature drink at Cipriani), danced amongst lovely and beautiful people with wonderful hearts at the "ritmo" of Marcelo Cunning, and above of all, they were happy to save lives. Here is the veredict...

(This Jeniffer Lopez knows how to have fun in Dior)

(Karlo and Denise Quiñones)

(Karina Vieira and Dr. Pablo Meyer)

(LaPerla [Javier Boné] and actress Lupe Ontiveros)

(Yai from Arcos Communications and Maribel Schumacher from TuCasa Entertainment)

(Adriana Maldonado from Metropolitan Designers and Rita Castillo from Conventus)

(Jose Santori, Karlo, Arlene Ramirez-Shapiro and Antonio Zazua)

More to come, give me some time to collect more images...

Love, K.

Patricia Velasquez, a pink suit and Wayuu Taya...

2007-05-12T22:43:00.000-04:00

(Above: Patricia Velazquez and "moi," in a pink Carlos Campos suit.)

Well, I think once in a while we all strive for something that can make us feel more human. Of course we need love, we need to be touched...caressed. Simply put, we need to know that we matter. But working in the business Patricia and I work for can basically make you loose connection to your basic homo-sapiens feelings and essence. It can be a bit superficial, or a lot, and one can start missing some "tuercas y tornillos" and get "cucu in the head."

(Above: Patricia Velasquez and Carolina Herrera.)

I always try to go back to basic stuff in order to be in touch with my inner being. Whether it's at home, cooking, cleaning, sitting down with friends and being silly, or watching the Oprah Show or Extreme Makeover (and cry my eyes out), I like to often knock on the spirit and soul door to keep myself grounded . Crying is not only good for the heart and keeping in touch with your humane side (some friends call me "la llorona" as I cry even at the mere site of a stray dog), but it also cleanses. Crying gets rid of toxins in your body and it just feels primal.

(Above: Patricia Velasquez and all the NY press, insane!)

But I can't be eye-balling all day! I might as well admit myself into Promises with Britney, wear a wig, and start not wearing underwear and flash the flashers. Therefore, I'd rather work on my spare time as a volunteer with a non-profit organization like the LCOA and feel good about myself. You know what I mean, feel you are making a difference "con tu granito de arena." On the other hand, there are others like Patricia Velasquez, that have their own non-for-profit organization, the Wayuu Taya Foundation. Whichever one you choose, do it once and be part of the experience. It's pretty cool.

(Above: Eileen Ford and her favorite model... uhummm.)

Patricia's gala benefit for the Wayuu Taya Foundation was amazing. She'll tell you that the most fun of it all is producint it ;-) It was at the Soho Grand Hotel and a LOT of beautiful people said "presente." Among the ones I can remember that were beautifying the gala were: Eileen Ford, co founder of Ford Models, the supermodel Petra Nemcova, designers Narciso Rodriguez and Carolina Herrera, Soledad O'Brien, anchor and special correspondent for CNN: Special Investigations Unit... and last but not least, Iman, who was one of the hosts of the evening together with Patricia Velazquez.

(Above: Well, whatevah, and Iman.)

The gala was a hot ticket to get, the Foundation made some "cashola," everyone had fun, and definitely in the end they all felt more human. Although standing next to Iman I felt more like... well, I "dunno". I asked her if I could borrow some of her genes and her husband too. I didn't wear pink for nothing.

Beauty tips coming soon. Also, what Jeffrey Slomin said about Patricias' makeup that got me into trouble; he caught me off-guard and I revealed one of my beauty secrets to Allure magazine.

Uomo Collezioni

2007-05-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

(Above: Jason.)

With a new look and some new contributors Uomo Collezioni will look pretty handsome with the new editorials and pages to be filled with celebrities and exciting articles. Yes, we photographed some pages here in the city of New York and we definitely had fun, it was fierce, it was creative, we had some laughter and my personal bag was stolen by an idiot on a bicycle. We'll leave the "bag" for later.

(Above: Jason and Karlo.)

Anyway, Jason and Jerreth were amazing. Strong faces, chiseled, handsome, masculine and without the attitude outside of the camera. Thanks Giorgio (stylist) for the lovely time and the handsome clothes. Hollywood here we come!

(Above: Jerreth and Jason)

And still at the end of the day (2:00 AM) we still had time for one more picture of camaraderie... love you guys!!!

(Above: Karlo, Giorgio and Jason)

Until next one! Thanks for reading!

PD.: Sorry guys but on these photos I am not wearing my bronzer. Can you tell?

NYPD looks for Barbara Bermudo...

2007-04-13T00:26:00.000-04:00

She's sexy, she's smart, she's a glamazon and the New York Police Department is looking for her. On February 20th, 2007 someone at the Police Department in NYC was looking for "sexy barbara bermudo." Almost an oxymoron. Barbara, sexy, sexy, Barbara... isn't it all the same?

I hope my blog did him or her some "justice" and relieved some stress from the "job."

Barbara, next time you come to NY pay a visit to the NYPD please, they are looking for you.

Male Beauty...

2007-02-15T20:07:00.000-05:00

Above: Michal Kuras from Red Models/ NYC. One of the models at Sergio's Show

Sergio Davila Fashion Show Fall 2007 (making of, models...)

Sergio Davila poured all the love and care for his 2007 Fall/Winter Collection.

It was a blast, it was awesome. Keep it up Sergio!

**Photographers and makeup assistants fell in love with this guy (first in line)

**Strong design and strong faces as well...

**The whole look is just to throw it in front of the fireplace, model included.
Champagne please!

Yes, and you thought looking flawless took a minute, think again. When it came to grooming (face), we did lots of layers for the guys. Shimmer, glued eyebrows, tinted lips, mascara at the base of the lashes, and more shimmer/moisturizer... and more shimmer. It's not easy being handsome, at least not in front of the cameras. The poor guys must have thought we were turning them into drag-queens just by the tactile sensation of our hands massaging so much product into their "visages", but no, handsome men they are, and handsome FLAWLESS men they turned down the runway. The trick? Let the skin soak all that pigment without leaving an inch of product into their faces. Do not use brushes my dears, do not, use your fingers all the time. And remember, in the book of etiquette you are allowed to use your fingers at the table if you are eating chicken, only chicken.

Below, one of my favorite models: Zamir. I knew it from the beginning, there had to be a mix in there, sure enough, half Algerian and half Dominican. What a face!
He's at Boss Models.
*Click on the image to enlarge :-)

*Below, setting eyebrows...

*Below, Antonio, the hair guru hands-on...
"the hair is reminiscent of Roman times...it flows, soft, romantic... moments of decadence..."- Antonio.
Contact: antony_zazua@yahoo.com

*Mayhem and ready to roll...

*Below, guests du-jour Javier Boné and Tino...

Thanks for watching my voyeurs... and reading.
Kisses, Karlo.

*Images by Javier Romero.
**Images by Marco Gandolfo.