Tucson Modernism Week

Last week my attention called for some things I had in the works that took place this past weekend and my online presence was pretty non existent. In exchange for that I have these beautiful images of the mid-century modern (mid nineteen fifties to early seventies), vintage fashion exhibition I styled and hosted in collaboration with my frequent collaborator Claudine Villardito of Black Cat Vintage for Tucson Modernism Week. It finally came to fruition on Friday October 4th 2013 and featured some of my favorite pieces of vintage. Tucson Modernism Week is a celebration of mid century style, art, fashion, architecture, automobiles and craftsmanship found in our community and connections beyond. It brings people with a kindred love and appreciation for all of these things together under one desert sky, and it's pretty magical. I am grateful to be a part of the fashion component annually, and feel strongly about my hometown connection to this event because of my roots, passion for working with vintage clothing, love of history and my studied background. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Tucson, Arizona is a treasure trove of beautiful things and people, you should come visit some time.

Behind the Scenes:

Twenty minutes until show time and after a full day of styling + organizing models and working with my creative team, I must attempt to make myself presentable……all while still directing. It can happen!

The Exhibition: A fashion homage to the mid century styles of the fifties, sixties and early seventies, for Tucson Modernism Week.

Photos by my friend and colleague puspa lohmeyer
Production, Creative Direction + Styling: sydney ballesteros
Wardrobe: black cat vintage
Makeup: Tangie Duffey
Hair: Andrea Furedy
Models (left to right): Kelsey Hagan, Jesseca Haag, Lauren Free, Lindsey Meredith, Abbey Gaitlin, Ariel Robinson, Wendy Van L
Vintage Cars: Hi Speed Customs + Alex Mastrangelo (private collector)

Thank you to all of those involved.

~Syd

Desert Darling for Matchbook Magazine

The September issue of Matchbook Magazine has recently debued and it is as stunning and aesthetically pleasing as usual. Note: On page fifty of the publication, you will find the feature “Desert Darling” styled by yours truly. I must say that I am extra excited about this spread. Bringing the unique elements of the southwest style found in my native hometown desert and making them incredibly #desertchic (as I would say...) is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

These are a few of my personal favorite images, but head over to view the entire spread at www.matchbookmag.com!

credits: creative director + stylist, sydney ballesteros | photography, stacia lugo | assistant, katie hagan | model, rose gerin/ford rba | makeup, tangie duffey | hair, raul mendoza {fringe studios} | location, degrazia gallery {tucson, az}

wardrobe: black cat vintage | razzle dazzle vintage | desert vintage | nordstroms | zappos

xo~syd

Edge of the Orient

My latest styling work for the June issue of the Black Cat Vintage garment district….

Edge of the Orient

The luxurious textiles and beautiful motifs of the East have captivated audiences since the days of the Silk Road.  But could such an ancient culture be re-imagined for a new age?

Against a backdrop of minimalist lines we reinterpreted the basic elements of Asian dress--the kimono, mandarin dress and obi--and conceived a neo-traditionalist collection fit for a modern Anna May Wong.  If Paul Poiret were alive, we’d like to think he would approve of our imperial vision for the edge of a modern world.  We hope you enjoy it too.

Introducing our vintage version of the Orient. Built from the ground up.


~Sydney Ballesteros

credits
creative director + stylist: sydney ballesteros
photography: stacia lugo
model: kendall visser {agency az}
makeup: tangie duffey
hair: raul Mendoza {fringe studios}
wardrobe: black cat vintage
select jewelry: razzle dazzle vintage

Vintage Vegas

Last month we packed up the crew and headed out to Las Vegas Nevada, to shoot the first editorial of Spring 2013 for Black Cat Vintage. Spending time in Vegas, means 1960s Ginger McKenna style. There really is no other way.

Vegas craves the glamour of its vintage past, when extravagance and mystery made Sin City--and its women--notorious. White fringe, metallic brocade and electric colors made rooms stand still in a city that never stopped moving.

This is our love story to vintage Vegas.  And for our "Ginger," love costs money.

Viva Las Vegas.

~Sydney Ballesteros


credits:
creative director + stylist: sydney ballesteros | photography: stacia lugo | model: paige pacheco {ford/rba} | makeup: tangie duffey | hair: raul mendoza | wardrobe: black cat vintage| shot on location in las vegas, nevada.

Dressing Room

Since Valentines Day is just around the corner, I thought it might be the perfect time to introduce you to the most recent shoot I styled for the Black Cat Vintage Garment District! The February issue is a classic take on boudoir, using vintage lingerie combined with a modern edge for the complete look. The editorial also made the February issue of En Vie Magazine in Japan! Very exciting stuff :)

The palest palette of blue, cream and pink, the alluring touch of silk and feathers, the glow of glamorous jewels: for a woman abandoned to her dressing quarters, the ultimate recipe for a slightly sinful game of dress up and an elegant revenge. And she hasn't even put on her lipstick yet.

~Sydney Ballesteros

credits: creative direction + styling: sydney ballesteros | photography: stacia lugo | model: alexandra smith | makeup: tangie duffey | hair: raul mendoza | 

View the entire editorial here and here! 

So what do you think?

xo~syd

insta-life

hey guys! just catching up with you all and sharing some bits + pieces of what’s been going on in my world, for the month of January on instagram!

my new years eve dress | my nye accessory options | coveted schiaparelli shoes | newest art piece by friend valerie galloway | nyc upper east side topiary, visiting again in may | paris vs. new york | black cat vintage february editorial coming soon! |

 jewels on set | studio shoot location

so, how was your january?

follow me on instagram here!

xo~syd

in the mood for mod...

Black and white, simple and mod, comfortable and warm.

That was my outfit for the day, as we explored the town of Prescott, AZ.  On a location shoot for the December issue of Black Cat Vintage (stay tuned...). Before we left, we decided to mix a little work with play and head out for a bite to eat, and a visit to the local antique stores. I love exploring other towns, and whenever I have the chance, it is a must that I come back home with a little treasure (or two) from a local shop. 

Here is what I wore, as we strolled around the quaint little northern Arizona town of Prescott. The golden leaves were falling off the trees and the air outside, was brisk and chilly- perfect!

cream leather mini dress: vintage {buffalo exchange}

black turtleneck + sweater tights: target

cream mary jane strap heels: vintage sixties {black cat vintage}

xo~syd

a colorful farewell to summer....

If I am going to say good-bye to the summer season. I am going to make sure I do it with lots of color!

photos by Puspa Lohmeyer

gypsy dress: vintage sixties {black cat vintage}

green espadrilles: old navy

basket tote: target

earrings: vintage fifties

xo~syd

insta-life

The latest happenings in my life captured through the genius filters of instagram! Not once, but twice.

Round No 1.

{from left to right}

morning coffee with dorothy draper/the perfect lbd/my beautiful grandparents/a greek salad for lunch/new hangers=organize studio/my green polka dot sheath/dreaming of paris in color/my coveted vera print blouse/the morning view from my bedroom

Round No 2.

{from left to right}

a surprise gift from my hubby: another piece of my friend valerie's artwork/a simple white t-shirt/macaroons for breakfast/my desert shoes/the black dress rack at bcv/our first edition book for bcv/one for each occasion of four eyes/picking out oilcloth for diy projects/my boys and their baseballs.

xo~syd