Cover Story | July 2013

There were lots of covers this month, but there is only one Katy Perry.

Ever stop reading articles about your favorite celebs? I have. And I probably wouldn't have read this one had it not been for the fact that it's Katy Bird's first Vogue cover.

Most interviews have become so redundant. The same questions seem to show up as if, miraculously, the answer is going to change. And, if the artist has a $32 Million grossing docu-film, it should be clear that you're gonna need to put some thought into it. (This article is titled 'Beauty and The Beat'-- a little too close for comfort especially when your best friend is an avid belieber.)

[ I Heart Katy Perry ] Granted I'm not sure anyone would have topped my choice for this month's cover story. (I'm thinking, I'm thinking...) It would have to have been an extremely unique cover photo and an equally enticing article. Katy's just awesome. She's not ashamed of who she is or the perseverance she had to endure to get her where she is today. Nor does she begrudge her upbringing, although media tries to pin it as a chip on her shoulder. [ She's loves Jesus, folks. It's all good.]

Her drive to powerfully create a life she loves is inspirational. She continues to accomplish this despite of not in spite of her circumstances.

Katy Perry is a powerhouse. Her accolades span across the board. Including an Oscar nom for her Wide Awake music video, to boot. And more than just a furball of talent, she's as relatable as a best friend. At least that's what caught my attention some 3-years ago as she began to climb the ladder to the stars.

As every artist matures, so will Katy. And if history truly does repeat itself, then her next album will top the charts, too. Not because her multiplying fan-base is being manipulated by subliminal messages, but because she's worth it. Katy has more stories to tell. Stories that reminisce with listeners because they're all too familiar, yet aren't always so pretty. And that's OK, too. After all, she can't be the Candy Queen forever.

xo | din

Check out some of the gorgeous photos by Annie Leibovitz in this month's issue of Vogue below:

photo courtesy | Annie Leibovitz for Vogue Magazine

original article | Vicki Woods
fashion editor | Tonne Goodman

Who's That Girl

Rachae Thomas | LA Film Festival 2013

You've probably seen her during the commercial break of your favorite show, or if you're a Lie To Me fan, then you've seen her on your favorite show.

Rachae has a personality that will capture you in an instant. It's emphasized with a bright smile, defined cheek bones, and natural curls that will make you want to run out and get a perm! Well, maybe not quite a perm, but you may consider storing away your flat iron for a day or two. All in all, from numerous commercial gigs and the small screen to Shakespeare and musicals, she's got everyone asking: Who's that girl?

I've had the pleasure to call Rachae a friend for a number of years now. It's always been exciting to see each new role she'd take on whether it would be acting or singing (girl can sang y'all!), and she now adds silver screen to her credits with her role as Katrina in Life of a King which just premiered at the LA Film Festival on June 22.

She's one of those girls who can wear a paper bag and still be as beautiful as ever! So, deciding on what to style her in wasn't so difficult. For this relatively casual red carpet affair, my vision was summer sunset orange, and we were able to capture that by adding that color heel to a whimsical lace dress. 

Orange is a fun substitute for red when you are looking to add contrast to your dress.

Rachae Thomas as Katrina in Life of a King starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Be sure to keep a look out for Rachae's upcoming projects because there's no doubt her performance will leave you agreeing she's that girl.

xo | din



Rachae Thomas plays Katrina, daughter of Eugene (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) in Life of a King. Read The Hollywood Reporter's LAFF review here.

photo courtesy | Joe Scarnici for Getty Images

Behind The Scenes: SMG Model Styling

An SMG model came into the downtown Gene Juarez Salon a couple weeks ago in need of being styled for a local photo shoot in Seattle. Myself along with the extremely talented makeup artist, Crosbie, did our magic on her and brought her character to life. The inspiration that was given to us for the shoot was supposed to have a Victorian/Gothic feel to it, and this is what Crosbie and my interpretation was!

XOXO Dré

Model: SMG
Makeup: Shanie Crosbie w/ Gene Juarez Salons and Spas
Hair: Andrea Malczewski w/ Gene Juarez Salons and Spas
Wardrobe: Helene Hawthorne
Photography: Jiamin Zhu

This post was updated on 8/14/2018.