Paradise Found with Gucci in NYC

3 min read

Come behind the scenes of our Paradise Found editorial in MOJEH Issue 33 as we talk to some of the creatives who bring the MOJEH stories to life. 

By Natalie Trevis

Sofia Odero: NY-based fashion stylist and founder of osomejewels.com, Utopia NYC, @sofiaodero.

On the Gucci cruise 2016 collection:

I like that every look is different and unique. The collection has this vintage feel but with a modern twist with lots of accessories and jewellery as well. It’s super eclectic. Alessandro Michele has taken the brand in a different direction but he’s doing it in a smart way because you can see the references to the Gucci archives – which is a like a gift to any designer – translated into a modern language. He’s breathing new life into it.

On the botanical set for the shoot:

We chose to do something quite monotone in grey and green, because the clothes are very different. When we were selecting the outfits it was impossible to give the shoot one direction. I thought let’s enhance that instead of trying to make the clothes meld together, let’s make them pop out. Each image is like a surprise in that way.

On the definition of a MOJEH editorial:

When I think about a MOJEH story I think about a glamorous woman, elegant and chic. Who is also open to exploring new trends even if sometimes they’re edgy. She’s not scared, she’s a brave woman, not someone that hides. 

Paradise Found, photographed by Viki Forshee, MOJEH Issue 33

Paradise Found, photographed by Viki Forshee, MOJEH Issue 33

Craig Honeycutt: NY-based hair and makeup artist, Utopia NYC, @craighoneycutt.

On the beauty look:

We’re doing very fresh, clean beautiful skin with luminosity, nice lashes, a strong bold brow and a strong orangey lip that’s matte. We’ll change it throughout the day to a bright and bold fuschia and play with a purple and something stronger.

On the starting point for great skin:

Moisturiser is number one and then I use a foundation and work on highlights throughout the face, so it gives the face a lot of luminosity and a healthy and fresh glow.

On contouring:

I actually did a little contouring on Olga’s cheeks today to maybe take a little bit of roundness out of her face. I think that contouring as a trend is going a little bit over the top. It probably looks ok in photos but not necessarily in person or in natural light, but I think there’s a way to work it into your day-to-day routine to take it down and look a little more natural and real.

On products:

I’m not married to any one brand. I use Armani and Bobbi Brown. Today I used some Nars on the cheeks, Bobbi Brown on the face and I’m using a Chanel lip. And I’m in love with my mascara, which is Kevyn Aucoin.

On incorporating runway trends into editorials:

I think there’s so much happening on the runway across the board that it just depends. I definitely get inspired by what is happening in fashion, but I think there’s so many different looks and you can go in so many different areas, so I think you’re kind of free to play.

Paradise Found, photographed by Viki Forshee, MOJEH Issue 33

Paradise Found, photographed by Viki Forshee, MOJEH Issue 33

Olga Datsenko: Ukrainian model based in London, Marilyn Agency NYC, M&P Models, London, @datsenko_olga.

On NYC:

I like everything about NYC, I like the people and the buildings. I like the energy, it’s just crazy. I live in London so it’s just totally different for me. It has such good energy to keep you up all the time. I love to spend time with my friends. I live in Williamsburg, which is a nice place to hangout and there are many creative people everywhere. I love Lower Eastside too. I love Wall Street because for me it’s straight out of the movies, you know. You see it in a movie and now you are here!

On essential products:

I really like Cetaphil, which is an American brand, for my skin, it’s really good. I don’t use wipes on my skin because it’s really sensitive – Cetaphil works perfectly. I love mascaras, my favourite is Chanel and I like Makeup Forever foundation and lipstick. I don’t use that much makeup as I like a more natural look. Even my mascara is brown, not black. A few touches that make you a little prettier are enough.

On off-duty model style:

I like Acne Studios, Dior and Céline. Of course today we shot Gucci and it was wonderful – beautiful and really fresh, sunny and summery.

On dream jobs:

Guess what? Victoria’s Secret! I really dream about it because the models there book every job. I’m trying to move forward – my family in Ukraine, I miss them but now it’s my life and I need to build it. I’m trying hard!

On what’s next:

I’m going to Ukraine for Christmas and new year for a couple of weeks to see my family. Then London because my boyfriend and my main agency are there so I need to be there all the time. 

Paradise Found, photographed by Viki Forshee, MOJEH Issue 33

Paradise Found, photographed by Viki Forshee, MOJEH Issue 33