Fashion Backstory - Thinking Caps

Photos and text by Robert Abrams
Clothing modeled by Deanna McBrearty, Member of the New York City Ballet (currently on leave) and guest artist with dance companies throughout the United States
Joined by Lisa Allen and Portia Peters
May 26, 2004

ExploreDance.com's fashion photo shoots are a collaborative effort. Here Lisa, Deanna and Portia discuss ideas for our next shoot. We borrowed the super-stylish thinking caps from Selima Optique.

Deanna is wearing a Cowboy style hat from Selima Optique ($260.00), a Twilight Velvet Glitter Corset from Danskin (Style 2346, $38.00), and Women's Jazz Pants from Danskin (Style 2369, $39.00). She added some extra glam by wearing Blue Austrian Crystal Earrings from GirlProps ($12.99), and a Black with Purple Crystal Bracelet from GirlProps ($12.99). The Leg Avenue body stocking is from Ricky's. Lisa is wearing a Red hat from Selima Optique ($225.00). Portia is wearing a Black hat from Selima Optique ($225.00). Selima Optique also loaned us four stylish eyeglass frames (Narumi P35, Rose E2, Carlos P6, and Lori PL6), three of which are shown here. These eyeglasses range from $225 to $250 for the frames. Prescription lenses are sold separately.

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Hats and eyeglasses were provided by Selima Optique. Go to www.selimaoptique.com or one of their stores, which are located at:

SELIMA OPTIQUE * SOHO *
59 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
Tel. (212) 343 9490 Fax. (212) 343 2715

SELIMA OPTIQUE * MADISON Ave. *
899 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Tel. (212) 988 6690

SELIMA OPTIQUE * PARIS *
46 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris France
Tel. (01) 48 04 38 55 Fax. (01) 48 04 31 05

SELIMA OPTIQUE * at Frederic Fekkai *
440 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel. (310) 888 4008

Danskin clothing can be purchased at www.danskin.com, by calling 1-800-288-6749 or at one of their many stores. Click here and learn how to receive free shipping on your Danskin purchases!

Accessories provided by GirlProps. They have a generous selection of attractive, yet inexpensive, jewelry and accessories. They are located at 153 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012. Phone: 212-505-7615. Email: sales@girlprops.com Web: www.girlprops.com. Special thanks to Pam Hysinger, owner of GirlProps, for loaning us lots of great stuff for the shoot.

"Thinking Caps" was photographed at Primus Studios, located at 64 Wooster Street #3E, New York, New York 10012. Call them at 212-966-3803 if you need an inspirational space to shoot. Special thanks to Gary Breckheimer of Primus for his assistance.

The Hair and Make-up for Deanna McBrearty was by Portia Peters. She can be contacted at portiamake-up@nyc.rr.com

Photography assistance was provided by Karen Schoellkopf. She can be contacted at www.k-stop.com

Lisa Allen is a photographer and dance teacher. For more of Lisa Allen's photography, see her ExploreDance.com index page and www.TreeHousePhotography.com

The shoot was produced by Robert Abrams, who also did the backstory photography.

Deanna McBrearty has been a member of the New York City Ballet for over ten years. She is now dancing as a featured guest artist with dance companies across the United States.