Gone with the River

On Friday I was sent away from the King Castle and into DUMBO Brooklyn, a place I had never set foot on, but would know like the back of my hand by the end of the day. I met designer Paola Suhonen, who was setting up to direct and shoot a film showcasing all her designs. Before I even had the time to drop my bag on the floor, she placed money in my hand with a list of items I needed to find for the production...eye patch, strawberries, porcelain plates, long candles...etc. I had no idea where to go, but I headed out to explore the area down under the Manhattan Bridge and began to shop. I went back and forth dropping things off along the way and I still had no idea what the movie was going to be about. 


Three beautiful tall girls arrived around noon and began to get their respective Ivana Helsinki clothes on. Erika, Alexa, and Cristina, all friends of Paola, were starring in the film, and I was responsible for getting them ready for every scene. In between scenes we would chat a little bit and they told me they were singers so I checked them out- really good stuff.


Paola was basically doing the job of 10 people and amazingly she had everything under control and kept her cool. I asked her why she didn't have more people helping out and she said that because she has the exact idea of how everything should be in her mind, and it's much easier to convey that if she is doing most of the creative work. It was such a great experience to work with someone so creative who single-handedly fused fashion and film. 


- Ariel


The second day Ursula arrived for the shoot early (6:30 am!) until I was able to take over around noon.  I had no idea what I was to be doing so I decided that Saturday would just have to be an adventure. After a long train ride and a bit of traffic I arrived safe and sound in DUMBO Brooklyn. Huffing and puffing it up seven flights of stairs was a bit rough, as was my make-up once I made it to the top, but I successfully located Ursula and she explained everything. 

My title for the day was "Production Assistant" which basically meant I was in charge of keeping all the props/costumes organized and ready for each scene. Very reminiscent of the plays I work on while  at college! Things were a bit hectic (as to be expected on a film set) with everyone running around but the models were super sweet and Paola was totally on her game. It was really interesting watching the process, especially seeing as I've never been around a film production. You never truly know what it takes for everything to come together for the final product. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished movie, you guys are in for a (fashionable) treat!

-Katrina