Model Exclusive - Kalissa Bearden

Over the past two years, I've had the privilege of working with a very talented young model and recently was able to sit down and interview her. What an amazing spirit!

Kalissa Bearden

Hi Kalissa. Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Kalissa Bearden and I'm 16 years old. I've been modeling since 2014. I'm currently a Junior and it's definitely exciting. I am a self taught artist and I enjoy traveling, which I fortunately get to do often while modeling.

Is there anything you love to do besides modeling?
I have a passion for watercolor to just simple sketches, there's usually always a pencil in my hand. I have 5 dogs that I love to play with and dress up even though, I believe they would disagree.  I also enjoy listening to music, hanging out with friends, playing tennis, shopping, and volunteer work.

What have you drawn lately? Any new art projects?
Recently most of my works have involved fish, I think this is because I'm always thinking of far away places, and fish are just a way to feel closer to a dream to me. I have been working on many different concepts to strengthen my portfolio, but mainly challenge my abilities. I have also been working on many smaller works for my teachers, some wanting door decorations others wanting silly drawings like a caricature.

We need to include some of your artwork in a future shoot sometime! What do you think?
I absolutely love that idea, Would my art tie into a concept of the shoot or would it be just a small bonus?  I think we could figure a way to tie it into the concept and even possibly exhibit it into the photos post edit. That would be awesome!

Earlier this summer, we reserved a full day of shooting with all sorts of themes, outfits, makeup and accessoriesDescribe your experience this day.
My experience with the shoot I have to say was really fun, it was hours of watching Jamie pile on hair and makeup and them dressing crazy cool and posing. It was definitely entertaining and Eddie and I kept the party going with music to listen and dance to. I was also very honored to be able to wear Loren's dresses they are all so stunning, and I'm always thrilled to be part of her modeling team.

As a model, who or what inspires you to do what you love?
As a model I'm inspired by so many people, I would say my photographers inspire me along with other more famous models, and teen vogue magazines

What are you dreams/goals for the future?
In my modeling career my future goal is to be on billboards and in vogue.

Any new events or projects coming up in the near future?
Yes, I have another bake sale coming up to help support Fayette county animal rescue, a trip to Texas for a runway show, and many more art projects. 😊

A bake sale for a great cause. I love that you give back to the community. Tell us more about the bake sale and your organization.
The upcoming bake sale is being held by the Divas for a Cure and Bros for a Cause youth charity group that was founded by me and 3 of my best friends in elementary school. We raise money for local Charities in our community. This months sale is being held for Fayette County Animal Rescue. It's our counties only no-kill shelter and they always need extra funding because they take in new rescues frequently.

Summer Days

Summer Days

“Summer Days” was an exciting collaboration between two amazing models, one creative designer and the vision of a photographer. Like all shoots, we wanted to have tons of fun and show the bond between two friends. Lilyan Chanell, (black dress) and Jesse Miller (white outfit) tell this story extremely well! We decided to go with a 70s inspired feel with the wardrobe, hair, makeup and accessories. Both are wearing the new Loren Franco Designs Ready-to-Wear Collection for 2016. 

About the Designer

Inspired by family, art, and her love for fashion, Dallas based designer, Loren Franco brings her creativity to life in the form of children and young adult garments and accessories. Loren has always loved art and would sell handmade crafts as a child. She later went on to college and graduated with honors with a Bachelor's degree in finance from Texas Women's University. Although she has a finance degree, Loren couldn't resist her love for the arts and made the decision to pursue fashion instead. With the support of her family, Loren took pencil to paper and started to design. Being a perfectionist, Loren meticulously works on each design from start to finish. Loren is married and has a son. Her husband contributes to her business as a freelance photographer and her son models for her on occasion. As a family together they have been deemed the Franco Dream Team. Loren has shown in Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, Atlanta, New Jersey and New York. She can usually be seen on site with a sewing machine ensuring that each dress or outfit shows perfectly on the runway. The show doesn't stop there though. Loren has plans to continue create, showcase, and build her business into the future.

Loren Franco's motto resonates strongly in her heart as it has opened so many doors thus far - At Loren Franco Designs, "Creativity has no boundaries" and she will keep pushing the boundaries as far as possible.

Model Lilyan Chanell

Lilyan Cole is 15, with an extraordinary modeling resume for only modeling 2 years. Lilyan has walked in 9 fashion weeks from Los Angeles to New York. Shot numerous editorials for magazines and designer look books she was even featured on the web for Teen Vogue. 
This shoot with the Franco Team was one of the best shoots to date, Loren and Edward always make things fun. Loren’s designs made my mouth drop they are so stunning and always fit me perfectly.  I’ve worked with the Franco’s on several occasions and I can always relax and be myself.  Shooting with my dear friend Jessie made the shoot even more fun. When the music starts I just get into a groove and start trying new creative moves. 
I draw my inspiration from different models on IG and magazines, I get inspired by different poses and facial expressions and when I go into a shoot I start trying new things. I, one day, dream of signing with a major modeling agency and walking the runway for Victoria Secret. I also love performing, so acting on a series or drama would be way up there with what I aspire to do in my future.  I think if you believe and work hard anything is possible but right now I’m only 15 so I’m taking each job as a blessing and believing one day someone will believe in me as much as my mom. I aspire to be better than I was yesterday and seize each day. 
Lilyan loves to perform as well, she is rep’d theatrically in Los Angeles, San Francisco and her native state of Oklahoma. She’s a dancer as well as a skilled athlete. 

Model Jesse Michael

Jesse Michael is 16, and has been modeling for four years.
She began modeling with, A-List Fashion Academy, a division of MAGNA, in Oklahoma City. Jesse Michael was the, New Teen Face for Uptown Kids and modeling their first teen collection.  It is there, that she was discovered for the Oklahoma Fashion Week. 
She has modeled for Dillards, and their fashion shows, Teen Vogue, and has worked with multiple designers and fashion photographers.  Her ten years of experience, dancing with the Oklahoma City Ballet, has led her to several dance photos shoots.
Oklahoma Fashion Week, where she first met her best friend, Lilyan Cole.
Jesse Michael was homeschooled until last year. She loves her school and being involved in student council, yearbook and varsity cheerleading. She is also a varsity soccer and track athlete. She comes from a big family, and is one of 6 children. Jess is also very active in her church and loves sharing her faith and making a difference in this world. "I want to be a positive role model for young girls," quoted Jesse.
"My photo shoot, with the Franco's, was by far, the most fun, out of any photo shoot that I've worked in. Not only because I had the opportunity to shoot with had my best friend, Lilyan, but I had the experience to work with the wonderful Franco's! They're extremely talented and absolutely amazing. They’re such great people to work with! I was blown away by the, beyond beautiful designs, and fabulous photography! I'm extremely blessed to have this amazing experience. I loved every moment, of every second. The Franco's designs can make any girl feel beautiful. They make you feel empowered and confident. They're extremely comfortable and glamorous...very unique!"
Jesse Michael loves people and looks forward to traveling the world through her adventures and modeling. She is inspired through models from all over the world. Her favorite models are, Gigi Hadid and Kendal Jenner. They remind her, that "The world is her runway, and that if you can dream it...You can achieve it!"

Edward Franco Photography is a proud donor!

I am a proud husband to see my wife's collection on the runway again and honored to personally take part in such a wonderful event as the St. Jude Night of Hope, Noche De Esperanza. We will be sharing the evening with such wonderful people like Gloria Campos and other celebrities to raise funds for St. Jude. 

Join us for a special evening of food, music and fashion!

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Friday, May 15, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Fashion Industry Gallery
1807 Ross Ave

Dallas, TX 75201

You are cordially invited to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the eleventh annual Night of Hope, Noche de Esperanza, gala. Join us for an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing to raise awareness and support of St. Jude within the Dallas and Fort Worth Hispanic community.

This exciting event will feature a selection of Dallas' top chefs and restaurants showcasing their finest international cuisine as well as live entertainment, special performances, dancing and a fantastic silent auction.

More than 50 years ago, Danny Thomas opened St. Jude on the belief that “no child should die in the dawn of life." Today, St. Jude is the premier pediatric cancer research center in the United States and around the world, and no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude. Help celebrate years of outstanding medical treatments and research in a fun-filled evening while supporting the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children.

 

Ticket information

Individual ticket ~ $150  
Table of 10 ~ $1,500
Purchase tickets.

 

For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Kimble
(972) 594-8080
jennifer.kimble@stjude.org

Loren Franco Designs Makes It To Fashion Week!

I'm proud to announce that one of my wife's dresses will make its way to New York Fashion Week before it debuts at the Reaching For The Stars Fashion Show. I had the honor of shooting the promo flyer with model Summer Ayala.  

To all my New Yorker friends, we'd love to have you attend in our honor if you can! https://www.facebook.com/events/1451154381814809

Credits:
Model: Summer Ayala
Designer: Loren Franco
Photographer: ©2014 Edward Franco Photography

#francofashionshow #newyorkfashionweek #flamenco #summerayala#lorenfrancodesigns

Loren Franco's dress will be showcased at Tapas Flamenco Couture Fashion Show in Staten Island on September 14, 2014.

Reaching for the Stars Fashion Show benefiting Make-A-Wish® North Texas

The time is near!!! Loren Franco and Edward Franco Photography have collaborated, once again, to bring you our very first runway exhibition created and produced by Loren Franco Designs.

Reaching for the Stars Fashion Show benefiting Make-A-Wish® North Texas will take place on September 20, 2014 at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. You do not want to miss out on being a part of such a magical show! Loren Franco will be debuting her very first women's collection. Make-A-Wish Kids will be honoring us by walking the runway in her Loren Franco children's collection.

See Below For More Details:


Dallas Designer, Loren Franco brings her fashion fairy-tails to life!

So Proud of my wife Loren Franco of Loren Franco Designs! Check out her recent article on DFW Style Daily!

Welcome!

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to present my online gallery and write about different projects, share behind the scene photos and just to share random thoughts!