A night out with "my models" and friends

All the models for my upcoming show are regular local women. They're ages 21-35, all shapes and sizes, and as different as women come. Since they don't all know each other, I thought it'd be fun, before the actual show, to get as many of them together as I could and have them meet. We rendezvoused at my place of work, Still Water Taproom, where I am the Happy Hour bartender on weekdays. With bluegrass and alternative music playing (anything from Yo La Tengo to Avett Brothers to Miles Davis) and 18 beers on tap, it's my favorite bar in town.

What a better place to meet then on pitcher night?! I bought the first few pitchers of Guinness, turning a few girls onto the best beer in the world, telling them how few calories and alcohol a pint contains, compared to other beer. Plus the taste is unparalleled. Ah Guinness. Model friends + Guinness + chatting about life = ingredients for a great night. We all had such a great time chatting and getting to know each other better. 

Dom and I. Dom is a dancer, singer, model, fitness trainer and mother. A woman of many talents. I'm glad I convinced her to model in my show. We finally had the chance to become better acquainted and had many laughs.

Carley and Samantha. Carley was also a model in my last show. She is so beautiful! And I believe this is Samantha's first runway show as a model. She is a hair stylist and usually on the other side of the chair. Her salon, Modish, puts on many hair shows around Augusta. This time she'll get to sit back and get beautified herself.

 

Samantha and Joan. It is also Joan's first time on the runway; she is so lovely and sweet. We first met this past Halloween when I was dressed as Lady Gaga. Since we were both wearing wigs when we met, it was always confusing when I'd see her around town and we'd meet again. It was quite humorous. I can't wait for her long slender frame to show off my work!

And after a few beers we broke out the red lipstick. Every gal should have a tube of red lipstick! Since I've changed how I wear my hair (I'm trying to grow out my bangs), I've changed my makeup routine a bit. Red lipstick has been really fun since my skin is still quite pale. Jamie's short hair and minimal makeup was perfect to give the bold look a try. I think I convinced Jamie to be daring and embrace red lips. She looked fabulous. 

David, my amazing photographer friend and colleague. He shoots all my work and shows. And a fellow Guinness drinker. Love this guy!

What a great evening with beautiful friends. I can't wait for the show! I've decided to up my collection, so  I'll be sewing all weekend. With 17 models, the collection was set at 40 pieces. I figured, "what the hell, let's shoot for 50!" My last show was 30 pieces and 13 models. Have to keep upping the ante right? What's the point of another show if it's not bigger and better than the first?! So my work is never done. I've created so many beautiful sets but the collection isn't yet complete. Soon. I hope. 

I hope you all have a great weekend!