Behind the scenes @ ImaniLia Photo Shoot

Check out some of the behind the scenes pics from my shoot. Taken by my brother @therealdjscoop (follow him!!!)It was a long an early day from the start but we made it out. Official pics and website up date coming soon!!! Enjoy and comment away my loves....



Me flipping through the racks.



Behind the scenes video coming soon...




Models on set.



Checking out what we have so far.......



One of the models Shantel in Hair and Make-Up



Check Out my brother this is early in the day before we really got started with the day. I couldn't have done without him.



One side of the set it was sooo beautiful. This was shot 1st thing in the morning

Intern's view Working my 1st Photo Shoot

Hello everyone!
I have just started my year in no better way than interning for a very talented young designer by the name of ImaniLia. Determined to make it to my first assignment with Imani, the city traffic wasn't stopping me, and so I made it, besdies going down one ways and wrong turns. Imani gave me a very positive vibe when I first met her a couple of days before the shoot, so I set my mind on focus and went to the shoot ready to grind. lol. Ok, guys and dolls, this is how it went down in my own words...
It is 10:35am, and I have just arrived at the studio where Imani is having the shoot done for her 2010 collection. At the moment, the first model is getting her hair and make-up done and so far I've been introduced to the crew that are part of the magic and help make it all happen, on the set are...

ImaniLia: Fashion & accessory designer/ stylist
D.J scoop: Imani's brother/ co-owner of ImaniLia designs
Hairstylist: Corenza
Hair assistant: Silk Jones
Model #1: Laura
Model #2: Shantel
Male model: Stefan
Make-up artist: Rasheeda Maxine
Photographer: Sharon Schuster
Photographer assistant: Erica
Videographer: Nnamdi
Designer Intern: Giselle Cruz (myself)
All of these creative, young and artistic individuals were doing their thing and I was honored to just be able to speak with them of their work and observe everything. It felt like art in it's finest, because every single person that was there was artistic. I wasn't nervous, I was ready, a bit quiet but I came in with the "expect the unexpected" mind frame so nothing surprises me. I have been taught that interning and assisting is very hectic and you should be willing to do almost anything....I said almost! lol. Overall experience was amazing, I loved working with all of these amazing people, Imani especially, I learned alot from just my first time being their and just the whole vibe of the place and everyone was very welcoming, so it made me feel a sense of comfort and I just felt like I was exactly where I should be. I felt in my zone.
Thank you guys for reading, hope you enjoyed my experience as much as I did. I will keep it comin, so look out for me "the intern" Giselle, as I will be posting my errands and run-arounds in the city, with Imani, or wherever I am and a sneak-peak of her latest designs. You will soon be able to view her exciting new collection here at www.ImaniLia.com

ImaniLia 2010 Shoot / Models

So this past Monday I FINALLY shot my 2010 collection. I had everything set. Great photographer, hair, make up, the models I wanted that set the vision I was thinking in my head. It was great! I was both super excited and nervous.

Of course in fashion all cannot be that smooth though. Call time was 9am. I made sure all involved knew this. From 5:30am I woke up to phone calls of people saying they were going to be late. 1st it was my male model. Then my stylist is sick and says she can't come. Then I get an email from one of my models & now she's going to be late too!? WTF I was beyond pissed to say the least. I have a full set of people Including video and 1 model instead of 3! I was just trying to seem ok even though I wasn't. I mean there was nothing I could do about it. So I get on set ready to work. Breakfast for the crew in hand. As I'm waiting for everyone I get another email at 9:15am from the same model saying that she now can not make it. I panicked because I made sure everyone was informed and now this model is dropping on me after all ready being late! So after intinal anger I call every model I know and have the whole set do the same. I was looking for a certain type of girl tho. I started off with a vision when I 1st picked these girls. I needed a 5'8 dark skin African American Girl w/ a long weave that could be curled. My make-up artist called a model that we both knew and I had previously worked with. She honestly wasn't the complete look but at this point I was like who cares get another model on set! So she was called. Next thing you know the make-up artist comes to me & says & I quote "she said she's NOT coming because I should have picked her 1st and she wouldn't have pulled out on me, nor does she want to leave her bed!" to say I was shocked was an understatement. This was MY shoot for MY collection. I hired people to make me look good and sell MY vision. Honey this shoot isn't about you! Its about ME (ImaniLia)! Now don't get me wrong I appreciate all the people I work with & them helping me out but this is business; had I been hired by a model to style or provide clothing things would have been different.

Fashion is a cut throat business and there is no time at all for people to get in their feelings. If u weren't the 1st pick o well your wanted now so don't limit yourself over pettyness. It really made me look at that model in a new light that I'm not sure is the best.

Essentially we got another model sight unseen she took forever to get to set and then was so beyond bad on camera that we wrapped her after 2 looks and completed the shoot with one male model & 1 female model. At the end of day it was a fun shoot and we got amazing pics that will be on the web site very soon.

This was my 1st collection shoot in about a year but I had a good time. I still came out on top despite the stresses of the day including the model drama. I must say though yes models are needed by designers but stop taking things so personal! Everything isn't about you and there is always another opportunity. So take things as they come. Humble is always received better.

Love you all and thanks for sticking with me.

Fashionably Yours,

ImaniLia

Want some ImaniLia in your closet? Well here's your chance to get some!

December 4th the Chris Leeann Boutique will he having their 3rd annual “The Ultimate Trunk Show” at 320 Studios - 320 W. 37th St. New York, NY on the 14th floor from 4pm - 9pm. ImaniLia Designs will be in attendance with her collections and accessories, which are one of a kind garb for the ladies. If you’re the type of person that likes to be the only person to wear things no one else has, then this is where you need to be on the 4th! Guys, you can find something you like here too as the show will include other diverse designers as well.

Be sure to come out for the Complimentary Hand Massages and Manicures, Giftbags, Premier Barber Services, Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres. AND there is no need to RSVP!

Sponsored by: Alize, she-blogs.com, vitalize.net, Baby Phat, Soft Sheen Carson, and  Xotics by Curtis Smith

For more info contact info@chrisleeannboutique.com

Click the flyer for more details!

ImaniLia Designs featured in "Forever" by The Floacist featuring Musiq Souldchild

"'The Floacist presents Floetic Soul', in stores Nov 9th, until then, do enjoy my first single; 'Forever' featuring Musiq Soulchild" - Natalie Stewart (THE FLOACIST)

Presenting ImaniLia Designs - "Dana Dress" (check out the dress in the video below)

ImaniLia Designs featured in Nataile (of Floetry) and Musiq Soulchild Video

For Immediate Release

SPOTTED: HARLEM FASHION DESIGNER’S DRESS IN NATALIE STEWART AND MUSIQ SOULCHILD MUSIC VIDEO 

Fashion Designer Imani Whyte, of ImaniLia Designs, has a dress from her new collection featured in the upcoming music video for “Forever” by Natalie “Floacist” Stewart featuring Musiq Soulchild.

New York, NY September 12, 2010 – Directed by Dominga Martin, the music video for “Forever” by Natalie Stewart, formerly of Floetry, featuring Musiq Souldchild features a one of a kind dress. Throughout the video Natalie wears an original dress by Harlem Fashion Designer Imani Whyte, of ImaniLia Designs, known as the “Dana Dress”. The “Dana Dress” is made from African fabrics and is a piece from the designer’s fall 2010 collection. The video is set to release mid October - early November. 

This accomplishment is one of many this year for the Harlem Designer who has recently been featured on WPIX New York Morning News. She appeared in Harlem Week celebrations, and received rave reviews from appearing on runways in Philadelphia and New Orleans Fashion weeks. Not to mention the causes that have benefited from her line where the proceeds have gone to benefit the American Heart Association, Haitian Disaster Relief Funds, and various types of Cancer. 

For additional information on ImaniLia Designs or Imani Whyte (or for a sample, copy or photo), contact Alean F. Elston or visit www.ImaniLia.com. The “Dana Dress” featured in the video is available by request only. To order, please call – (917) 617-8094. 

About ImaniLia Designs:

ImaniLia Designs is a fashion design house which specializes in unique evening wear, hair accessories, and high quality handbags. Fine fabrics and the most intricate detail go into everything that comes from ImaniLia to define the woman that wears the creation. What is ImaniLia? ImaniLia – adj. independent, supreme, paramount, you. www.ImaniLia.com 

Photo Credit: Russel Taylot blogs.centrictv.com/music

Video Screen Shot

Contact:

Alean F. Elston, marketing/PR manager
ImaniLia Designs
609-346-5290
http://www.imanilia.com

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The Reviews are IN...(recap of ImaniLia at Philly Fashion Week)

The Fashionably chic and the chic-ly fashionable made themselves known at this year's philly fashion week where the parties and the shows showcased some of the freshest designers in the northeast. Among the designers featured was our very own ImaniLia. Imani was interviewed on camera, met with boutique owners, and lots and lots of press! Imani gave a preview of her new collection to debut in September 2010 for the Philadelphia Fashion Scene. The line is composed of African Fabrics and sequins, and takes a modern approach to evening wear for the woman who must be the definition of ImaniLia...

ImaniLia: (adj) independent, unique, glamour, paramount, supreme, you.

Check out the pictures from the Press Party and Behind the scenes of the show. ENJOY! :)

PFW - Press Party IMANILIA "Muse Model"

PFW - Press Party

IMANILIA "Muse Model" strikes a pose while Imani talks with press about her garment and the inspiration of her next collection


Backstage Before the show IMANILIA Models strike a pose

Backstage Before the show IMANILIA Models strike a pose

IMANILIA in LIGHTS!

IMANI Being Interviewed on Camera

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK PAGE - IMANILIA DESIGNS - FOR LINKS TO THE PICTURES FROM THE SHOWS AND PRESS REVIEWS!

Press Release: ImaniLia Collections Brings New York Flair to Philadelphia Fashion Week

ImaniLia Collections Brings New York Flair to Philadelphia Fashion Week

The city of brotherly love extends an invitation to New York Fashion Designer, Imani Whyte of ImaniLia Collections, to feature her clothing line in their annual fashion week extravaganza.

Philadelphia, PA (1/15/10) – Exceptionally talented and emerging fashion designer Imani Whyte will make her first appearance at Philadelphia Fashion Week presenting her latest collection of elegant couture evening wear designs. The fashion show will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Crane Arts Building at 1400 American St., Philadelphia, PA.

Imani Whyte, designer of ImaniLia Collections, will showcase her current collection, inspired by 50’s Glam for the show. Miss Whyte was invited to be a featured designer and in addition to showcasing pieces from her current collection, she will debut selected pieces from her upcoming collection, which features high fashion glamour and has African influence.

“I’m so excited to be part of this amazing event, where I get to introduce myself and my line to the City of Philadelphia is such a great opportunity". She also adds "I feel so honored to be invited to the city’s event and I look forward to the fun and excitement this show brings!" – Imani Whyte

This event will have televised features and feature celebrity stylists, top‐notch photographers, other high fashion designers such as Terry Stephens (Project Runway), Mike Sam (English Clientele), and many more; Philly’s aspiring models designers, and entertainers will also take spotlight. To top it off, a portion of the proceeds will go to The Evoluer House, which is a non‐profit organization that empowers at‐risk Philadelphia‐area teenage girls by nurturing positive self‐expression and personal development.

About ImaniLia Designs:

ImaniLia Designs is a fashion design house which specializes in unique evening wear, hair accessories, and high quality handbags. Fine fabrics and the most intricate detail go into everything that comes from ImaniLia to define the woman that wears the creation. What is ImaniLia? ImaniLia – adj. independent, supreme, paramount, you. www.ImaniLia.com

Contact:

Alean F. Elston
Marketing/PR Director of ImaniLia Designs
alean@aleanelston.com
www.AleanElston.com

Press Release: YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT ‘TIL GRADUATION TO BE A SUCCESS

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT ‘TIL GRADUATION TO BE A SUCCESS

Designer Imani Whyte of ImaniLia Designs speaks to teens about her successes and experiences as a young fashion designer, and inspires them to pursue their goals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bronx, NY (12/2/09) – Talented Fashion Designer Imani Whyte was recently invited to speak about her life and experiences as a fashion designer to a group of teens at Christopher Columbus High School in Bronx, NY. Imani has been designing and making clothes since the age of 10, which made her a perfect candidate to speak to the youth about how to get stared and how to keep going even when someone puts you down.

Imani reflected on how she got started at such a young age. All of her experiences of designing her first collection and being featured in her first fashion show were discussed and she gave a brief history of her line from childhood through college. Imani also inspired students to continue to pursue their goals and how to stay motivated on the path those goals.

“Not everyone is going to like what you create, but for every 1 person who doesn’t like what you do, there are 20 more that will!”

After Imani’s speech was over she spent time with the students one on one answering all their questions about the business. She also invited the students to apply to be her intern, as she is currently looking for assistance as her line continues to grow.

About ImaniLia Designs:

ImaniLia Designs is a fashion design house which specializes in unique evening wear, hair accessories, and high quality handbags. Fine fabrics and the most intricate detail go into everything that comes from ImaniLia to define the woman that wears the creation. What is ImaniLia? ImaniLia – adj. independent, supreme, paramount, you. www.ImaniLia.com

Contact:

Alean F. Elston (Marketing/PR Director of ImaniLia Designs)

alean@aleanelston.com

www.AleanElston.com