Creative collaboration series

Last month, I was tasked to host and introduce the 24 artists represented by At East Jed Root, the top agency for creative talent that just launched here in Manila. At East Jed Root represents the top photographers and make-up/hair/fashion stylists who all have an impressive portfolio of work under their belt. These are the people who make all the celebrities and models look their very best. We, the talent in front of the lens, are just a byproduct of the combined creative forces of the people behind the lens. So why not pay tribute and give them the spotlight for a change?

A creative collaboration between a photographer, make-up/hair and fashion stylist is essential to creating works of art in the digital and print medium. These people need to be given credit for they are really the artists behind all the glitz and glamour. We are merely a canvas.

The three people featured for their work on this shoot are photographer MJ Suluyan, hair/make-up artist Fanny Serrano and stylist Godric Ethan. The shoot was produced by Bottega Studios in Katipunan in association with At East Jed Root with special thanks to Au and Mau Mauricio. For the complete series, visit my official website at www.gtongi.com.

MJ Suayan — This is my first time working with MJ. He first started doing street photography and his ability to capture light in his stunning portrayals of life is what makes his work moving and timeless. His work has been published internationally in Vogue Italia and locally for many magazines and brands.

MJ has a very laidback personality and when he was directing me for this shoot, he was very soft-mannered and courteous. He really knows what he wants with the photos he takes and may be one of the fastest photographers I have ever worked with. His photos may seem dark but his aura is anything but. I look forward to seeing much more of his work being heralded in the future. MJ is represented by At East Jed Root.

Fanny Serrano — This shoot reunites me with TF (Tita Fanny) as our first shoot together was for Mega Magazine more than a decade ago when he transformed me into Cher. His artistry is really the transformation that he is able to achieve with each canvas he is presented.

As I sat in his make-up chair, TF told me about his humble beginnings in Paco, Manila, where he started at a salon, hailing taxis for their clients. His dream of taking fine arts was never realized but one day, when one of the chief make-up artists in that salon was absent, he was given an opportunity to show his skills. He was then given a break by Niño Muhlach’s father and opened his own salon. His love affair with his celebrity clients who are loyal only to their Tita Fanny holds true to this day. His story is one for the books as he has successfully transitioned into an accomplished fashion designer and actor for film and television. He has five branches of his salon and atelier that he himself manages.

Godric Ethan — Our stylist for this shoot is a professional dancer who has competed around the world. Having lived in Japan for several years, Godric’s refined aesthetic in styling is a fresh departure from all the embellished styling you see in the magazines of late.

Godric, who works with MJ often, says that the shoot’s concept was “French sartorial.” The story behind the photos is of a lady missing her husband who is either away or deceased. The inspiration for the shoot was of Keira Knightley’s French Vogue editorial where the mood is dark, sexy and mysterious. For his styling direction, he emphasized a lady’s sensual curves and body parts while wearing the masculine tailoring of men’s suits and outer wear.