Text by Mikala Mikrut, Copyright 2018
.
Fantasy Fashion League: Why be a Spectator When You Can Play the Game?
.
Fashion has always held a special place in my heart. I could say that I simply didn’t understand fashion as a child and all of her complicated ideals and rules, but the truth is: there was a certain freedom in breaking them and challenging what we are and are not “allowed” to wear. It’s funny how those with little to no experience in the industry are so ready to judge others for being creative with the art form of fabric, or lack thereof (me included). But recently I have been blessed with experiences in this passion of mine in ways I never even imagined.
I was granted an internship with the fabulous Catherine Trifiletti right at the time she was releasing a new line of lounge lingerie; as I was setting up her show room for an upcoming event, THE Tony Ward offered to get a head start on photographing the garments by using me as a model. I was so taken aback. I had no experience as a model, but like any young woman who grew up daydreaming about such an opportunity I was thrilled!
The outfits I wore showed more skin than I was used to but I couldn’t help but feel simply beautiful. Tony was so kind and complimentary during the shoot, whether it was true or not he made me feel like a natural. There’s something strangely empowering about staring down the lens of a camera for minutes at a time. I saw the tiny refection of myself in it and no longer saw a girl hurt by her past, but a woman challenging her future.
When the shoot was over, I didn’t find myself disappointed because I knew this adventure was only starting. I was able to witness Tony working with the two actual models, both on our makeshift set and in the gorgeous landscape of Red Rock. I learned so much. Assisting with the outfit changes allowed me to be even more familiarized with the garments I had been working with all week, observing the models showed me that it’s not about what clothes do to the body but how the human body is suddenly aware and confident of it’s intricacies when wearing something equally as beautiful, and watching Tony and his ability to find art within the strangest objects and angles reminded me to continue looking at life in unexpected ways.
While this may be the only time in my life such opportunities fall into place all at once, I am so humbled to have met so many wonderful and talented people. Fashion is truly an art all of its own. I love how it can bring together so many people of completely different skill sets and abilities to make the end results of the pictures seem so effortless and honest. I am truly inspired and intend to create with every given moment just as Tony has done. We’re all going to reach the same ending, may as well make the journey as incredible as possible.
.
About The Author: Mikala Mikrut is a sophomore enrolled at Southern Utah University and summer intern at Catherine Trifliletti Design, Las Vegas.
.
Editor’s Note: Mikala is wearing a pastel paisley kimono romper by Catherine Trifiletti, summer lookbook 2018. To access the entire lookbook, click here: https://tonywardstudio.com/gallery/catherine-trifiletti-design/