Miami Shoot Magazine

Chayanne

Fashion, Interviews, The Issue

Rachael Russell

MIAMI’S RESIDENTIAL IT GIRL AND GO-TO WARDROBE STYLIST TALKS FASHION AND PHILANTHROPY. By Katie Jackson Photographed by Imani Ogden Hair & Makeup by Tamia Everett for TamiaStyles Location: MSM Studios Wardrobe stylist Rachael Russell certainly has an impressive résumé. Over the past few years, Russell has quickly become the go-to stylist for celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Gabrielle Union, Chayanne, and Kathy Lee Gifford. Russell has also styled for national commercial shoots and campaigns, including the recent launch of Anheuser-Busch’s latest creation Oculto and worldwide footwear and apparel brand Nike. In addition to her styling projects, Russell is a creative consultant for Miansai, the popular Miami-based handmade accessories brand. But perhaps Russell’s greatest achievement has been the launch of her non-profi t organization Style Saves, a charity that provides underprivileged children with back-to-school clothing. Within the last five years, Style Saves has expanded from Miami to cities across the globe, making Russell the leader of an organization that is truly making an enormous impact. Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, Russell’s love affair with styling started at a very young age. “The first time I remember picking out my own outfi t was my fiJorst day of Kindergarten,” said Russell. “I’d say it all started then.” After earning her B.A. in marketing from Johnson & Wales University, Russell moved to Miami to study fashion merchandising at Miami International University of Art & Design. At MIU, Russell had the opportunity to study fashion styling abroad in Milan at the prestigious Domus Academy, where some of her acclaimed professors included editors from Vanity Fair and stylists from Grazia magazine. After graduating from MIU, Russell landed a coveted assistant stylist position with Vogue magazine before moving back to Miami where she styled independently. Russell is now represented by Ford Models as a Talent Artist. While she has always had a passion for styling, Russell also had the desire to become involved with philanthropy. “I was always interested in giving back but never really felt connected with a cause,” said Russell. After visiting her family in Rhode Island and taking her two younger brothers back-to-school shopping, Russell realized that she wanted to combine fashion and philanthropy in a way that positively benefi ted children. “After taking my brothers back-to-school shopping, I saw how excited they got, and then reminisced about my own experiences and how fun it was to put together outfi ts for back-to-school,” said Russell. “I realized that not every student is afforded this opportunity, and I was inspired to create something that gives them a chance to have the clothing necessities for school.” Russell created Style Saves in 2010, and has since provided thousands of in-need children with back-to-school essentials by raising funds through fashion-focused events. In collaboration with different brands and other Miami philanthropists, Russell hosts events where portions of the proceeds go to Style Saves. “Some of the events we’ve done recently have been in store events with 7 For All Mankind, Vince, and InStyle magazine at Longchamp,” said Russell. “Additional events include our arsa Pippen Basel Brunch at Fendi Château Residences and Art Heist in Wynwood.” But perhaps the biggest event is the annual Style Saves Swim Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Soho Beach House in July. “This year will be our 5th annual swim show production,” said Russell. “We bring together a mix of upcoming and well-established designers for a night of fashion for philanthropy. We also work with other amazing sponsors like Redbull, Moët, and Perrier, to name a few.” Though she finds her styling work rewarding, Russell admits that there is no greater feeling than helping others. “I really love to give stuff away and live for those Oprah moments of ‘you get clothing, you get eyewear,’” said Russell. “It feels so good to make other people happy.” To volunteer, make a donation, or for more information about Style Saves, visit www.stylesaves.org For more information on Rachael Russell, please visit www.Stylerr.com Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Entertainment, MSM Online, Music, Shows & Events

The Latin Music Billboard Awards Finalists Announced

By Gisel Habibnejad The Latin Billboard Awards have released their nominations for the award show being held on April 30th! The nominees include Romeo Santos, Juanes, Chayanne, and MSM’s co-owner’s brother, Enrique Iglesias. Romeo Santos and Enrique are leading with the most nominations with 16 and 15 categories, respectively. The press conference of finalists were also a special treat as presenters included stars such as Natalia Jimenez, Henry Santos, Fabian Rioss, Ana Lorena, Maritza Rodriguez, Gabriel Coronel and more. The Latin Billboard Conference and Awards will be held between April 27-30th. The show will include several performances by talented latin artists topping the Billboard charts. For more information, please visit www.billboardevents.com/latin

Cover Stories, Fashion, Interviews, Swimwear

Jessica Bleier Cover Shoot: High Fashion Chic Meets An Easygoing Spirit

 Click Here To View Full Story & Images In Our July/August Issue PHOTOGRAPHED BY IMANI OGDEN/INTERVIEWED & STYLED BY KATIE JACKSON/MAKEUP BY ESTHER JIMENEZ/HAIR BY FRANK CATANESE/ SET ASSISTANT-STEPHAN USECHE/SWIMWEAR BY RED CARTER/JEWELRY BY CATTIVA  BOUTIQUE/SUNGLASSES BY EDWARD BEINER/SHOES BY STEVE MADDEN/JESSICA REPRESENTED BY FRONT MANAGEMENT From countless spreads in high fashion magazines, to strutting down the runway for numerous years in fashion shows and traveling across the world for photo shoots, Jessica Bleier has certainly cemented her career as a high fashion model. Starting her career at just 11 years old, the Miami native is now a bona fide star. She continues to push creative boundaries, even recently starring as the beautiful love interest of Latin pop singer Chayanne in the music video for his hit single “Humanos a Marte,”proving that her possibilities are endless. But apart from her success, stunning good looks, and ridiculously close resemblance to Angelina Jolie, Bleier is insanely down to earth, making her not only lovable for her work, but for who she is as a person. Bleier’s first run-in with a modeling agency came when she was just in middle school. After being bullied by her classmates for her height, Bleier’s mother decided to take her to a modeling agency in South Beach to prove to her that tall is beautiful. “She wanted to show me that, one day, you can make something of your height,” says Bleier. After being signed immediately to the agency, Bleier was already traveling for work. “My mom would come with me everywhere, we went to places like Italy and Paris,” says Bleier. Despite Bleier’s early success, her career came to a halt when she decided to attend college at the University of Florida to study history. But after graduating during the recession, Bleier found it difficult to find work. While searching for a job in her field, Bleier decided to give modeling another shot to generate some extra income. “One thing led to another and it turned into a full time thing,” says Bleier. After moving back to Miami and signing with Front Model Management, Bleier was catapulted back into the modeling scene, doing fashion shows and photo shoots in Miami and across the world. But this high fashion model loves living the low-key life. Apart from spending time with her high-school sweetheart and fiancé, Bleier loves to garden and read books. “I read constantly,” says Bleier. She also likes to explore the burgeoning art and design districts. “I absolutely love to dance. But other than that I’m more of a low-key, go to a bar, have a beer and hangout type of person.” Bleier also makes sure to get her daily exercise by doing fun activities she truly enjoys. “I have a very active lifestyle. I take my dog for one hour walks, and my fiancé and I like to go kayaking.” Bleier’s one guilty pleasure? Pizza. “My fiancé is in the restaurant business. His parents own Steve’s Pizza, so he manages that. It’s good and bad because every night I fight the urge to eat pizza, which I usually end up eating pizza once every day!” she says while laughing. Although her modeling photos and videos are all over the media and internet, Bleier prefers to stay away from all the social media hype surrounding her career. “I feel like I was supposed to be born at another time. I love real conversation, and just, seeing a person’s face and engaging their reaction.” While it’s obvious that Bleier is a powerful force in the modeling world, what seems most attractive about her is the pure effervescence that shines through Bleier’s approachable spirit.

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