Introducing our featured members for the month of August! We've got a couple of MWN newbies, so welcome to the site - we're so glad you're here! If you are interested in collaborating with other members, reach out via your profile! All MWN collaborations are eligible to be featured on our homepage banner slides! If you would like to be considered as a potential featured member in an upcoming month, email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com.
Peeky is a plus size model that was born and raised in Holland and is now based in NYC. As a teenager, she did not like her body because it didn't look like the frames that models and celebrities were sporting in the magazines she read. Everything changed when she read about a plus size model competition, which she entered and won.
Peeky was first signed with an agency in Holland and then other agents around the world followed. She has worked for Vogue, Marina Rinaldi, Elena Miro, Anna Scholz, Evans, Lane Bryant, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Dillards, and more.
Working as a plus size model did not only teach Peeky how to accept her body, but it lead to a genuine love of her curves. Her goal is to get rid of the "only one body type is beautiful" concept as we know it in fashion and strive toward an industry where all shapes and sizes are embraced.
Born in Saigon and raised in St. Louis, Tuan Lee is a commercial and editorial photographer currently based in Los Angeles.
Why photography?
There's a simple thrill of pressing the shutter and then the enjoyment of looking at that moment as much as you want. And I love the way photographs age. It's so magical to me.Who is your favorite photographer of all time?
It's so tough to choose just one. Excluding the living, it would be hard to find a Herb Ritts image I didn't like. Of those who are here now? I'd go with Nick Knight.What inspires you?
California. I just moved to Los Angeles three years ago. The people, ideas, and natural beauty around here completely enchant me.What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?
Assuming they have a good look, I want to work with someone who has a great attitude, ability to transform on camera, and confidence.What kind of camera/equipment do you use?
Right now, my workhorse is the Canon 5dIII.What is your favorite project you have worked on?
It's really true - I love them all. But the first one where I actually got paid will always be pretty special.What is your personal style?
Clothes with simple washing instructions! That's why jeans work for me - they tell you at the store to never wash them. Okay great!What genre does your work focus on?
I'm a commercial/editorial shooter. I love shooting people and capturing their confidence.What is your favorite band or song of all time?
So unfair! I'll go with T.Rex - Electric Warrior. The album has this gem, "You have the universe reclining in your hair..."What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?
The time I asked a model to put on this dress we made out of rugs.
Archangela Chelsea is a Los Angeles based professional freelance makeup artist working with celebrities, fashion and editorials. She is always open for collaborations.
Her work has been featured on/in America's Next Top Model, ModelsWeb TV, Vogue Italia, Nationalist Magazine, Estela Magazine, TRUE Magazine, Bitmap Magazine, and various runways and festivals.
During his teen years, Michael Onsouvanh tested his talent by doing his sister's hair everyday. When he reached 7th grade, he was booked for his first wedding and this was the start of his career. Michael was able to teach himself to cut and color hair by experimenting with multiple weddings, friends, and family members. By his freshman year of high school, he had his own business. With four years of high school left, he had time to perfect his talent. After high school he relocated to Chicago. He was looking for a challenge and attended Pivot Point International.
While attending beauty school his teachers realized he had talent, skills and passion for doing hair and makeup. Right away they placed him in competitions. After many competitions, he took two 1st place titles. Michael is always trying new things with beauty; he takes risks, and when he does, he puts his whole heart and soul into it. The experience has how brought him to do big things. He believes there is beauty in everyone. With the right stylist and makeup artist, you can be anything you want to be.
Russel Frank's love and passion for the fashion industry began when he was a Visual Merchandise Manager - from dressing mannequins and window displays to creating a story with apparel in a retail environment.
Russel attended the Art Institute of Phoenix, majoring in Fashion Marketing, and earned his degree in 2011. After graduating, Russel relocated to Las Vegas, where he has continued to pursue his career in fashion. He is the Stylist Director for the Fashion Week Las Vegas Runway, in addition to working as a freelance wardrobe stylist.
Why wardrobe stylist?
As a wardrobe stylist I feel I am able to express myself and my creative side with fashion. Styling tells a story through wardrobe as my source of media. A painter uses paint brushes and paint, a writer uses the pen, and I use wardrobe and accessories to tell my story. A designer can do the same thing, but I feel as a stylist, I can manipulate and elevate the look of a designer's dress from what he/she may have originally intended for it to be. I have to be conscious of the scenery, the hair, the makeup - everything that goes into the image is manipulated by the wardrobe stylist.Who is your favorite wardrobe stylist of all time?
Grace Coddington, Fashion Editor for Vogue. She manipulates wardrobe to help create such beautiful images. What she uses to style, the layers of wardrobe, the textures, the colors.What inspires you?
Everything inspires me! I don't really look into trends and fashion magazines, I look at fashion itself. I look for inspiration from the collections that designers put out. What can I use from that collection to make amazing editorial pieces? Instagram inspires me, from the people I follow to the hashtags I look up, I find a lot of different inspirational images that lead to something more. I always try to surround myself with other artists to keep amazing creativity flowing.What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?
Some people look to see if they are a signed model or not. I don't believe in that. I look for the measurements. First thing - are they tall, right body frame, the total package? Next is their portfolio. What kind of model are we seeking? Blonde, brunette, redhead, short hair, long hair, etc...I mostly like to lean towards long hair - it just gives us more options to work with.What is your favorite store to shop at or brand?
I don't necessarily have a favorite brand or store. If I am looking for something or going on a shopping splurge, I tend to lean towards Express, Topshop, Zara, Forever 21, or H & M. I always find something I want or need. I am a huge fan of DSquared, Tom Ford, and John Varvatos as menswear designers. Trina Turk (Mr. Turk) has an amazing and bright vibrant wardrobe. A little too bright for my personal style, but I love that sense of style; the collection is so flamboyant. I can appreciate that label.What is your favorite project you have worked on?
There have been so many! I would have to say working Fashion Week. I meet so many people; it's an amazing week every 6 months. I love it. Working with 50 plus models, the hair team, the makeup team, the designers - I build such close relationships with everyone. It gives me such a high that I dread going back to the real world.What is your personal style?
When I am on set, I'm so laid back - jeans and a t-shirt. But that depends on my team. There are certain people I work with who I know love to post BTS (behind the scenes) pics, so I have to make sure I look decent enough for them. I would say I tend to lean towards a preppy, layered look. I love a good button up shirt with a cardigan, chinos, and some slip on Toms. Add a fabric belt, some bracelets and a watch - I'm happy!What genre does your work focus on?
I'm more of an edgy, editorial stylist. I need that drama, that texture, that oooohhh la la amazing style. Raise the bar!What is your favorite band or song of all time?
My favorite song? No one would guess it. Ice Cube's You Can Do It from the Player's Club soundtrack. It's literally the only type of song in that genre I have in my playlist.
