One might agree that there is a direct correlation between how beautiful a woman
is, and how good her manners can be.
I've frequently encountered women who depend upon their looks to get by, and
in turn, treat others with callous indifference. I've carried this perception with
me for most of my life.
For the first time, I was introduced to someone who has
shattered my perceived stereotype. I was given the opportunity to witness the behind
the scenes artistry of photographer Aaron Stipkovich
while capturing the natural beauty of our own
Darlena Tejeiro in a
stunning wardrobe from designer Simone van Trojen.
Simone's line, "LaDress" can best be described as the
perfect dresses for any occasion. She is proud to note that each LaDress is unique
in its fabrics, length, print, sleeves and finishing touch. They are also made from
the finest high-end fabrics ranging from silk, wool and polyester to exciting materials
such as jersey, cotton and viscose. She describes the lines as "deliciously comfy,
while blending elegance with ease and versatility."
Back to our own delicious model for the day. Darlena Tejeiro
was both born and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey. She also studied at City university
in New York, and is no stranger to the personality of a big city and learning to
stand out in a crowd. She began her
career
in acting with a contract on the well-established soap opera, All My Children.
From there, her acting career took off. Her film credits include Starsky and
Hutch, I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry, and most recently Star
Trek. She has also worked on popular shows such as How I met Your Mother,
Bones, Trauma and Ugly Betty.
Simone van Trojen (39), a woman just like any other woman
had a dream... After obtaining a university degree in law, Simone followed her career
path as a corporate executive. Nowadays she combines motherhood, marriage, running
her own business and a hectic social life all in one. As an enthusiastic lover of
fashion, Simone has spent a lifetime looking for that one dress that would
fit all her different roles in life. It was this search that led her to design her
own dream dress: LaDress. LaDress is her creation, and by launching her creation
on the international market,
...Simone provides the answer to the one question that women around the world
ask themselves every single day: What should I wear?
Again, back to the shoot; Aside from her extensive acting
talents, Darlena is creatively inventive as the
Co-founder of AND Magazine.
As I spent more time with her, I was most surprised to find Darlena was incredibly
humble and genuine. There is not a bone of arrogance in her body (although someone
should search underneath that amazing head of hair). She seems inherently drawn
to people and takes more interest in learning about others, rather than discussing
herself or her accomplishments. Coming from a woman who has classically beautiful
looks and dark, exotic features that most women would kill for, this is a rarity.
But beyond her acting experience, I found that her conversational exchanges were
more about the experiences of her life, than a who's who in Hollywood. She has deep-rooted
pride in her Cuban-American ancestry which is most apparent in her passion for the
people who have influenced her.
|
Darlena is wearing a dress from her private collection,
Photographed at Tsunami.
|
The behind the scenes with photographer (...and fiancé) Aaron
Stipkovich was just as fascinating to observe. A photographer with a quick wit and
acute sense of detail, he has shot celebrities from
Tom Cruise to
Charlize Theron. It is
clear that his relationship with the subject makes all the difference in the shoot.
The collaboration of Aaron and Darlena yielded a dreamy, thematic shoot where "Contemporary
style meets
Brigitte Bardot."
Simone's muse
Lemoni is a fictional character inspired by the looks of Brigitte Bardot,
the lyrics of Billy Joel's unforgettable song "She's Always A Woman" and
all outstanding women Simone has met in her life. Lemoni is Simone's muse, her inspiration.
Lemoni is ageless, timeless, full of dreams, illusions, hopes and ambitions. She
is smart, yet spiritual and gentle at the same time. But most of all Lemoni is pure.
She is who she wants to be: herself. Active, fashion-loving and making her
clothes a part of her statement to the world: Lemoni is Lemoni.
During the photo shoot at the
Intercontinental
hotel in San Francisco, Darlena had her own muse as she showcased a sense of
demure elegance in exquisite dresses from
La Dress by Simone.
Her muse was, coincidentally, a version of Brigitte Bardot in "And
God Created Woman." She also sported classic
Tiffany earrings, absolutely
perfect sunglasses reminiscent of the 60's, from
Sama Eyewear and
Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.
She has a distinctive way of taking a timeless spring wrap and reiterating a classic,
but unique, sense of style back into the shot.
Darlena's all-natural beauty is a breath of fresh air.
■
|
Darlena is wearing a dress from her private collection,
Photographed at Tsunami.
|
LaDress is worth every penny, as is the eyewear from Sama. More can be found
on their wonderful websites. Additionally, the two magnificent locations,
The Intercontinental
Hotel in San Francisco and
Tsunami are filled with the most fantastic staff and environments...
but moreover, the
sushi at Tsunami was a glorious treat after a long day
of shooting. Wonderful staff at both location, and literally the best sushi in San
Francisco at Tsunami. It was a good day.
Credits:
Extra-special thanks to:
|
|
Darlena dancing on the bar at Tsunami, giving a glimpse at the stunning selection of Sake and Whiskey that accompany the delectables that are without compare.
|
|
|
A look at one of the extremely sheik lounge areas at The Intercontinental hotel in San Francisco. This location should not be called a hotel at all, but a heavenly resort... that happens to have rooms for rent too. It is magnificent.
|
|
|
Khaled S.Dajani, owner of Tsunami, Darlena Tejeiro and Aaron Stipkovich (at Tsunami)
|
|
|
Erica Bean, the author, doing her best impression of Darlena at The Intercontinental. Erica rules. (at The Intercontinental hotel)
|
By 
