At the photo shoot for the April issue of The Washington Post’s FW magazine, co-editor Janet Kelly brought the usual assortment of blingy things, the better to trim our Washington Ballet dancers.
We were desperate to use this 1940s chapeau from Paris, provided by stylist Stara Pezeshkian, but alas, we just couldn’t work it into our concept.
Starting off the morning, hair artist Zara Korutz plopped a pink wig on the head of Washington Ballet principal dancer Morgann Rose and began trimming and fluffing it into a confection.
As the shoot got going, makeup artist Carl Ray (he of Michelle Obama makeup fame), co-editor Janet Kelly and, in rear, Leigh Nelson, production coordinator for the FW group, and MyLittleBird business manager Jim Kelly, sit around waiting for the magic to happen.
The fashion stylist was not the only member of the team who brought “a few things.” This is Carl Ray’s, er, array of beautifiers. Love the lashes!
Photographer Mark Finkenstaedt, back to camera, uses assistant Matthew Kleinrock, to check the lighting.
Washington Ballet principal dancer Sona Kharatian gets a blue wig fluffed for the opening picture, which will feature her with principal dancer Brooklyn Mack.
Washington Ballet principal dancers Brooklyn Mack and Sona Kharatian strike a pose. Sona is getting a kick out of spring in her Red Valentino silk chiffon, floral print dress with tulle underlay ($995, Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-657-9000). She wears a glamorous Iradj Moini multi-strand freshwater pearl necklace with emerald and citrine clasp ($2,680, Tabandeh, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-244-0777) and a Kate Spade bow ring (stylist’s own). Photo by Mark Finkenstaedt.
Here’s a way to preserve your makeup: Improvise a paper visor between the wig and your forehead (if, of course, you’re wearing a wig).
A quiet moment while dancer Nardia Boodoo is fitted into her tutu by wardrobe supervisor Monica Leland, face obscured.
The little ballerinas, Washington Ballet School student dancers, flutter in and make themselves ready.
David Palmer, Washington Ballet’s associate artistic director, demonstrates to principal dancer Francesca Dugarte the position he wants while the young dancers look on.
Photographer Mark Finkenstaedt, front, with back to camera, gives principal dancers Francesca Dugarte, far left, and Morgann Rose, right, and the young ballerinas a sneak peek at their pictures on the computer. Look at how Rose’s dress had to be taken in with clips to make it fit.
Morgann Rose and Francesca Dugarte with Washington School of Ballet students Nardia Boodoo, Goldie Walberg, Kelia Ideishi and Maya Harr. Morgann, left, wears an ethereal Escada sheer-striped knit dress with fluted hem ($1,875, Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-966-9700) and RJ Graziano gold collar necklace ($55, Bloomingdale’s, Wisconsin Place, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; 240-744-3700). Her right hand is adorned with a brass prism ring and a peak ring ($295, $125, www.jenniferfisherjewelry.com), while her left brandishes a brass geometric spine cuff ($1,680, available by phone from Jennifer Fisher at 888-255-0640). Francesca is pretty in pink from head to toe in a Rag & Bone fleet top ($255, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase), pleated skirt ($39.95, H&M area stores), Samira13 baroque golden pink pearls and pave diamond ball ($3,900, Tabandeh, Mazza Gallerie) and daisy ring (stylist’s own). Photo by Mark Finkenstaedt.
