Faces of 2012

An overview of some of the most interesting and unique faces I've come across in the year 2012.

© Photos by Lian Leng

Analog cameras: Minolta X-7A and Hasselblad 503CX

~ Best Looks of 2012 ~

© Photos by Lian Leng

Analog Cameras:  Minolta X-7A and Hasselblad 503CX

Overview of 2012 ~ Shoes & Accessories

© Photos by Lian Leng

Analog camera: Minolta X-7A

Best of 2012 Seen and Photographed ~ Travel

The year is coming to an end and I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite photos from my travels around Europe and Asia. Enjoy~

© Photos by Lian Leng

Analog cameras: Minolta X-7A and Hasselblad 503CX

Qin

© Photo by Lian Leng

Analog camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8

Film: Centuria 200

I had just cut Qin's hair again. Decided to give it an extra edge with a more messy/out of bed look. What do you think?
Reproduce her Look

Ryo & Kumi

© Photos by Lian Leng

Analog Camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8

Film: Solaris 800

                    

This is exactly why I love Japan so much. They're so bold and creative with their style, it's such a thrill to photograph!

Ryo:  Bag & Jacket from vintage store in Kensington

Kumi: Purse by Alexander Wang

HANABI ~ Fashion Show ~ Overview of an Amazing Night

Last Sunday, I went to HANABI, a fashion event organized by Shuntaro Kurakake.

Shuntaro studied fashion design at Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Belgium), and Saint Martins School of Art (London). Upon his return to Japan and working for H&M as an expansion manager, he quickly discovered his interest for fashion business. With the interest to support young fashion and jewelry designers, he has organized, after only one year in Toronto, two fashion events (including HANABI) to showcase works from young artists. 

After 4-5 months of hard work and a team of five leaders along with over 20 volunteers, HANABI was finally brought to us, with the collaboration of 13 designers, 9 musicians/bands, make up by Atelier May, hair by Hair Happiness, and many more.

Towards the end of our interview, Shuntaro left me on this intriguing statement: "With a team of young designers and artists, I wanted to create a fashion show that would be more experimental and innovative, giving a new perspective to the fashion world. You'll understand when you see it".

And was he right!  The fashion show by Atelier Susumu was a pure work of art!

The designs, airy and loose, highly inspired by Japanese Kimono, were beautiful, with just enough lines to give a general aesthetic and frame to the body, but enough room for movement and comfort. 

I also particularly loved those Tabi boots by CoolEastMarket. They were wonderfully with Atelier Susumu's collection.

The fashion show itself was simply out of this world! A collaboration with Japanese contemporary dancers, a cello musician, and a great team of young creative artists and models made it a pure pleasure not only to the eye, but all our senses. An experience of its own, making me realize how fashion show can be so much more!  Simply brilliant! 

© Photos by Lian Leng

Analog camera: Minolta X-7A

Film: Solaris 800

Tabi boots by CoolEastMarket

The Twins behind the blog

120 Medium Format
Camera: Hasselblad 503CX + Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.8
Film: Kodak Portra 400NC

35mm film
Camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8
Film: Konica Minolta Centuria 400, expired film

© Photos by mom & Lian

I just realized this is actually the first few pictures we have on this blog of Qin & I together~

Our mom came to visit from Montreal so it was a great opportunity to take a few shots of us.

Lian

Leather jacket: Korea

Knit cardigan: Durumi on Queen St.

Sheer floral shirt: Costa Blanca

High-rise pants: American Apparel riding pants

Chelsea boots: ASOS

Qin

Cocoon jacket: Wilfred

Shirt: Tokyo

Sweater: American Apparel

Chelsea Boots: Locale

~ Reproduce our Look ~

Linda & Josh

Camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8
Film: Konica Centuria 400

© Photo by Lian Leng

Linda

Faux fur vest: Zara

Pants: Chateaux

Sunglasses: Forever21

Shoes: H&M

Josh

Sunglasses: Super Retro Future

Jacket: Zara

Pants: Gap

~Reproduce their look~

Lian & her Hassy

Camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8

Film: Fujicolor 400

© Photos by Qin Leng

I absolutely love my Hasselblad, which was a bday present from Qin ~ How lucky am I !
Due to its size and weight though, I haven't been using it much for my street fashion shoots. 
But honestly, the sharpness and gorgeous bokeh you get with it is just out of this world and I've decided to use it more from now on.
For those of you who'd like to see what I'm talking about, take a look at some of the photos from my photoshoot for American Apparel fall collection HERE and HERE
Denim shirt: Tokyo
Shirt: Tokyo
Sweater: Value Village
Boots: Spring

Hayley

Camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8

Film: Fujicolor 400

© Photos by Lian Leng

Just Classy! Great way to take up a notch this simple sweater & jeans look with an oversized blazer and Chelsea boots. The green complements her hair color beautifully!
Occupation: Capital markets
Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples
Sweater: Aritzia
Jeans: Rag & Bone
Blazer: Zara
Boots: Top Shop
Bag: Proenza Schouler
~ Reproduce her Look ~

Dionne & Lauren Illustrated

Today, Qin sent me her representation of Dionne & Lauren, whom I had photographed a few months back.

I love it! It's so adorable and so close to the photos!

Take a look at the original photos here ~ Dionne & Lauren

© Illustration by Qin Leng

Galaxy

35mm film
Camera: Minolta X-7A + Asahi Super Takumar 55mm f1.8
Film: Konica Minolta Centuria 400, expired film

120 medium format
Camera: Hasselblad 503CX + Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.8
Film: Kodak Portra CN400

© Photos by Lian Leng 

Dear dear Galaxy~ How much I love you for your personality and our endless & fun conversations, but even more for your flawless style! I know I can always count on you to keep my blog afloat during days of bad weather when I can't go out on my regular photoshoot strolls :)
Occupation: IT
Hat: vintage
Backpack: Urban Outfitters
Knit cardigan: Club Monaco
Blazer: Club Monaco
Contrast shirt: Club Monaco
~ Reproduce her Look ~

Galaxy & I

Camera: Hasselblad 503CX + Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.8
Film: Kodak Portra 400NC

© Photo by Qin Leng

I love this shot of us~ Galaxy decided to tag along for our photoshoot for American Apparel Fall collection that day. This was taken right after, we had such a blast ~