lucia-holm-gypsy-warrior.jpg

Artist File // Lucia Holm

lucia-holm-gypsy-warrior.jpg
Lucia you are often known or referred to as Miss Lulu and the Teaspoon Shortage.  How did you get this name?
It's actually pretty silly!  When I was little, my cousin came up with nonsensical spirit guide names for all of her friends and family, as a joke. My twin brother was deemed, "Teaspoon Shortage," and I immediately wished it was mine (being a serious tea drinker, even at a young age).  Years later when I started Myspace and Flickr pages, I decided to steal the nickname.  For some reason, it really stuck with people!  I was actually asked if I'd consider opening for the band Phantom Planet at a bar in Rhode Island, years back.  Apparently, the name gave people the impression that I was in a band!  Now that photography has become more of a profession for me, and less of a hobby, I've been thinking I should shake the silly nickname.  However, I do still use it for Flickr.

You have a Master of Fine Arts, what was it that made you put down your paint brush and start photography- also, were you self taught?
i went to Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for undergrad studies, where i majored in illustration.  Anyone who knows RISD knows it takes many sleepless nights filled with actual blood, sweat, and tears to earn your degree.  NO JOKE!  After RISD I went right into grad school at New York Academy of Art with only a summer break in between.  By the end of my grad school studies, I was completely burn out.  I didn't want to even see a paint brush or a pencil!  I knew I needed to take some time off from the world of painting, but I still needed a creative outlet.  THough I previously didn't have much interest in photography (nor did I give photographers the credit they deserve), I decided to get a digital camera, and started to experiment with some self portraiture.  Quickly, I relaized how much I enjoyed taking photos and even more so, editing them!  I considered it nothing more than a hobby, but was soon approached to take photos for pay.  I was worried I wasn't going to deliver professional level photos because I am self taught.  However, as the hobby blossomed into a more serious calling, I realized I had the natural ability to take good pictures, and the fact I hadn't sutdied photography in school did not seem to affect my skill level.
Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.12.17 AMHow did you get your break as a photographer to be reckoned with?
That is quite generous!  Too generous smiley  I guess I'd say the first "break" for me was when my friend, Nicole Atkins (an established singer/songwriter) asked me if I would take her picture for the cover of a local music magazine.  After the success of the magazine cover, I did a few more photos for Nicole that were used for her site, as well as for a few online articles.  I was contacted by Butch Walker, an amazing musician/producer, who loved the photos I did for Nicole, asking if I was available to take some photos of him for an upcoming album.  I was REALLY nervous because it was the first shoot for a stranger, who was flying cross country to work with me.  The shoot went incredibly well, and was soon contacted by his management to do photos for other artists.  In the meantime, I gained a bit of online following via MySpace and Flickr because of my self portraiture.  I begam receiving requests to do lookbooks, where I modeled the clothing myself, and then eventually to photograph other models.Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.15.15 AMYou are well known for your self portraits, often having vintage backdrops, many boasting a macabre, yet whimsical feel.  I have seen bloggers try to imitate your work!  Where do you find your inspiration?
The main sources of inspiration for me are classic books, films, retro magazines, and vintage photgraphs.  I lvoe symmetry, anything kitsch, saturated colors, and pretty much anything and everything "strange and unusual".  That's probably why I ahve an obsession with directors like Wes Anderson, David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, Hitchcock, Polanski and classic Tim Burton (you know, from the Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands years).
Many more narrative photographs have been greatly inspired by books and poems as well.  Authors and poets such as J.D. Salinger, The Bronte Sisters, Jane Austin, Sylvia Plath, and T.S. Eliot, to naem a few, have served as major influences to me when it comes to my personal photography.
LuciaHolm8366681301Who are some of your favorite artists?
If we are talking about photographers, I have several that i absolutely love and greatly admire.  Cindy Sherman, for her gutsy exploration of female self portraiture and bizarre convepts.  Francesca Woodman, another femail self portrait photographer who, in her brief 22 years, captured the obscure and beautifully dark side of herself, and women in general.  Philip Lorca diCorcia and Gregory Crewdson, for their wonderfully surreal and dream-like lighting and elaborately staged scenes.  Holly Andres for her strong narratives and saturated colors, and Alex Prager for her retro and kitsch storylined visuals.  As I've become increasingly interested in film photography, I've added some new favorites, such as Ellen Rogers, who explores lost art of analogue photography.
Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.13.14 AMWhat are some of your favorite things to shoot?
People, people, people!  I love to shoot human beings, particularly women.  I love the aesthetics fo the female form.  I also love creating images that have some sort of storyline to them.  I tend to think of photographs as film stills, or the visual translation of a passage from a book.  I think of the people in my photographs as characters in my own personal stories.  Even when I'm shooting for fun, or just messing around on instagram, you'll find a woman in the shot most of the time!  Unless, Roger, my beagle, is around.  He usually takes precedent over anything elss, as he is such an amazing model!Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.13.02 AMYou also have produced some music videos for the likes of Nicole Atkins and Butch Walker, whom you mentioned before.  How did you get into video production, and do you have any projects coming up soon?
Both Butch and Nicole have been good friends of mine for a while now, and huge supporters of my photography.  When Butch was in town a few years back for a show, he wanted to do a simple music video for his latest single.  Beacuse we worked so well together and because he was pleased with the photos I took of him, he asked if I would be interested in creative directing the video.  I was again, a bit hesitant and nervous as I had NO experience in video production, but decided to go for it.  I learned a lot from that video, which was co-directed by Roy LaManna of Trendsetter Media and co-creative directed by Mandy Bisesti, my best friend.  A few years later, and after many successful shoots with Nicole, Razor and Tie hired Mandy and I, along with our friend Joe Jennings, to direct a series of promotional videos for her new album.  It was a lot of work, but it was also really rewarding.  We had a very small budget, but with the help of many wonderful and talented people, we were able to create several videos for Nicole, including one for her single "Vultures", which premiered on the front page of VEVO.
Recently, I have felt the disire to experiment in the world of video again, and have plans for a few personal projects over the summer.  I'm aiming to film a bit and possibly learn how to use some video editing programs.
Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.14.23 AMScreen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.13.30 AMIf you could visit any place in the world right now, where would you go?
Anyone who knows me personally, knows I am extremely fearful of flying!  It has hindered me as an artist, as I've spent the majority of my life looking at pictures of places I want to go and art I want to see.  Rather than being able to see it all in real life.  I've always wanted to travel, particuarly to the UK, France, and Italy.  A few years ago, I semi conquered my fear and am so very excited to be traveling to FRance and ENgland in September 2013.  If I have it my way, you'll find me at Versailles and Highclere Castle (the eral Downton Abbey, yes, I know I'm a nerd).

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I never know haw to answer this question because it always changes!  Hopefully great success as a photographer and possibly in other artistic ventures!

You are a very stylish girl, what would we find if we looked in your closet?
First, you would find about 200 things that I've purchased, but never actually worn.  I have somewhat of a problem where I buy beautiful items, that I know I'll probably never wear.  Most are just in case I need them for photos!  I love vintage clothing, mainly from the 60s and 70s, so a lot of my haul revolves around bell bottoms, overalls, mini dresses, and Gunne Sax pieces.  I also love modern clothing that's inspired by vintage suff.  My latest kick (which has replaced my velvet obsession of 2012) revolves around white lightweight dresses (think Penelope Cruz in Vicky Christina Barcelona) and oversized bell-sleeved tops.  Because I am a shrimp, you will rarely find me in flats, unless they are my Harley boots.  Also, not going to lie, I have a strange fascination with swimwear that has words on it this year!

Biggest guilty pleasure?
Doughnuts, 90210 reruns, and the Glee station on my Pandora… or maybe that woudl be the Hall & Oats station…

What's on your iPod playlist right now?
Tame Impala, Daft Punk, and some serious yacht rock… you know, because it's almost summer!

Favorite Gypsy Warrior item?
That's a tough call!  My more recent favs are the Pentagram Leggings, Black Craft Seance Tank, Jac Vanek "Let's Get Weird" Tee, and the Jax Harness Boots.Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 11.12.39 AM

Follow Lucia on her social media & check out her website below

http://www.luciaholmphotography.com/index.html

Instagram: @luciaholm

Twitter: @luciaholm

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciaholm/

 

 

emmy-rossum-getty-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior

Billboard Music Awards 2013

Another award show, another red carpet, more celebrities hitting it and missing it.  The Billboard Music Awards 2013 was last night, oh what to talk about?  Justin Bieber getting booed off stage, Taylor Swift winning every award per usual, Selena Gomez's glow stick dress?  The possibilities are endless honestly… I will stick to fashion, and the most stand out people of the night.
emmy-rossum-getty-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
Emmy Rossum looked beautiful as always in this Zuhair Murad gown, one of my favorites of the night.
taylor-swift-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
Taylor Swift looking annoying beautiful in Zuhair Murad as well… this designer was all over the red carpet last night! 
celine-dion-billboard-music-awards-2013_gypsy-warrior
I thought Celine Dion blew almost everyone out of the water in this Atelier Versace gold structured fitted number.  It is so classy and sexy at the same time, and her body is pretty banging.  You go girl!
selena-gomez-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
Some people in the office loved it, others hated it… I am more on the loving side, because this Versace gown on Selena Gomez is interesting.  It is elegant with a "I wanna go rave with my glow sticks, that I conveniently don't have to hold" twist.  Besides, she is young and hot, she could wear a plastic bag and look good.
Kesha-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
I am just going to go ahead and say "Um WTF Ke$ha, you forgot pants to go with your Givenchy and Palladium number."  Not to be confused with the ever popular "Madonna wtf you have no pants on", or "Beyonce had no pants on… AGAIN."  At least when they don't wear pants, they have on a bodysuit, or barely there shorts.  I hope Ke$ha had something on covering her lady bits, if not I hope they burned the chair she was sitting in.
Jennifer-Lopez-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad.  I am bored, aren't you?  Same style, color and everything that she has worn in the past year.  Hitting the snooze button and moving on.
miley-cyrus-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
Ok, in some angles this Balmain jumpsuit looks pretty cool, and edgy and whatever the hell Miley Cyrus is trying to be these days.  HOWEVER, all she is missing is a crazy hat with bells on the ends and she could easily be a court jester in Game of Thrones. 
Wiz-Khalifa-Amber-Rose-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
No, I didn't particularly like Amber Rose's sheer dress thingy, and Wiz Kahlifa just looked regular, but I love them.  They are always so cute together and look so in love on the red carpet, and that to me is the best look you can wear!
shania-twain-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
I always have, and always will love Shania Twain.  She is so beautiful, and outshone many girls her junior in this Pavoni gown.  She just looked so elegant, like she was floating down the carpet.
kelly-rowland-billboard-music-awards-2013-gypsy-warrior
Kelly Rowland looked so cool in this Rami Al Ali holographic gown.   It is so new and innovative and big right now.  She definitely gets points for originality and taking a bit of a risk.
david-guetta-cathy-guetta-gypsy-warrior
David and Cathy Guetta looking all sorts of crazy.  Seriously I am going to leave this photo semi-captionless because it is hurting my eyes.  I smell a midlife crisis… have you guys been hanging out with Madonna lately?  You are French, you are supposed to be chic.
 

raconteurs

Mixtape Monday

The Raconteurs- "Steady As She Goes"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCD14IrOcIs
Pixies- "Where Is My Mind"

Wheatus- "Teenage Dirtbag"

The Cure- "Boys Don't Cry"

David Bowie- "Rebel Rebel"

Are You A Gypsy Warrior?

angelaelisse@angelaelisse in our Keaton Skater Dress

melbellles@melbellles in our Floral Cutout Dresssagejonas@sagejonas in the Katie Party Dress
secretbarbie21@secretbarbie21 in the Crochet Crop Topmikaylakoleff@mikaylaoleff in the X Ray Bodysuitmeg_helsel@meghelsel in our Molly Lace Dress
chelseakinne@chelseakinne in the Jax Harness Boots_allynicoleee@allynicoleee in the Americana Shorts and Meshing Around Pullover
cecemissxtotheo@cecemissxtotheo in our Tie Dye Tank Dresskmarinello@kmarinello in the Eye of Ja Headchain moongallery2@moongallery in our Cora Moon Swing Tankbrurodriguesofficial@brurodriguezofficial in the Pentagram Strap Tank

Strike a Pose // Numero

numero_rodeodrive1 If there is one thing that gets me into the summer time mindset, it is that bohemian style.  Maybe it is the Gypsy and the Warrior in me, the leather on top of lace, wide brimmed hats, crop tops layered under flowing chiffon, and stacks of necklaces, bracelets, and rings just make me feel good.  The styling for this Numero editorial is absolutely amazing, it is sort of like rock 'n roll and a witch had a painfully cool baby, and made this gorgeous photoset.  I am in love. numero_rodeodrive2numero_rodeodrive3 numero_rodeodrive4 numero_rodeodrive7 numero_rodeodrive8

Gypsy Warriors // Hybrid Hunter

DSC_0366pxIzumi Bogen from the blog Hybrid Hunter is looking professionally stylish in our Heather Blazer.  I actually love this piece because it isn't stiff and uncomfortable, it is very soft and almost feels like a sweatshirt, honestly.  I love the velvet shorts and fedora to top off this look.  Perfect day to night outfit.  See how we sporty spiced up this piece below!hybridhunter_gypsywarrior.jpggame_changer_gypsywarrior.jpg

Get sporty with it

 

Gypsy Warrior Sidewalk Sale

gypsywarrior_sidewalksale6

Today May 16 through Saturday, May 18 our Gypsy Warrior store location will be participating in the 2013 Ridgewood Sidewalk Sale!  We are super excited for this, not only because it is 80 degrees and sunny out today, but because you guys can score some amazing finds for up to 80% off, plus 20% off everything in the store!  So, get out of the house, take the train up to Ridgewood, and fill your closets with some magical treasures!  You can thank us later ;) gypsywarrior_sidewalksalegypsywarrior_sidealksale6 gypsywarrior_sidewalksale4 gypsywarrior_sidewalksale10.jpggypsywarrior_sidewalksale9 gypsywarrior_sidewalksale7 gypsywarrior_sidewalksale1gypsywarrior_sidewalksale3 gypsywarrior_sidewalksale5