Model Finn Jasele’s Halloween Treat w/ Forecast Salon, Wardrobe Stylist-Mindi Shapiro, ISHI Luxe Boutique, & The Birmingham Museum of Art
Throwback to one of my most unforgettable collaborations – channeling Queen Marie Antoinette for a live art performance at Birmingham Museum of Art. From 2+ hours of prosthetic makeup to navigating a 30-pound headpiece with bound arms while descending museum stairs in front of a live audience, this event perfectly captured why I fell in love with modeling as performance art. A testament to Birmingham’s incredible creative community and the foundation that built my international runway career.
7 min read
Oct 31, 2019
Welike to celebrate a particular holiday around my parts called Halloween. You may have heard of it. This year Forecast Salon, along with The Birmingham Museum of Art’s: Drinks after Five hosted their boo bash spectacular, and I was one of the models chosen to participate in the project. Now is the story of that day, along with photos. I have to give a fantastic shout out to the team at Forecast Salon along with my stylist Mark, and owner Brittney. My makeup was done by the very talented Somica. Plus, the Clothing from Ishi Boutique and our host venue, The Birmingham Museum of Art.
Prep Begins:
I was selected and booked for this job a month in advance, so that gave me plenty of time to start mentally preparing for the day. I am an introvert, so it takes massive amounts of mental energy to become a chameleon and change into a model. As a model, my job is to become whatever character the hiring team needs me to be; this is a fun part of the career but also can be dangerous. As an actor, you have to remember it is a job and never lose yourself in the role. For this gig, I will be channeling the fabulous historical Queen Marie Antionette. She was the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. And they say modeling doesn’t teach you history?
Once all the terms were accepted, the next phase began; I needed to learn more about my character. The stylist sent over hair and makeup inspiration via Pinterest. To be historically correct, we needed to determine what women in that period wore and the details of their hair and makeup. We were all set, and the next goal was to get fitted for the show.
Fittings
Typically clothes are provided by the client, and sometimes partnerships are established to utilize those clothes that may best represent what the team is trying to achieve. Needing something that would stand out and pop, the only best choice was to go to Ishi, a high-end luxury boutique located in Mountain Brook. Ishi has several locations, but this one was specific for our needs. Once there, I met with the very polite staff and the rest of the team. I tried on several outfits to find just the perfect one, including some adorable socks that would match well with the entire outfit. After that, we wrapped up and departed ways until the show day.
Show Day
My call time was not too early, which is very good. Most call times are very early instead of the midday, but since we were in for a full day of activities, it made sense. I arrived at the salon for check-in and instructions on what station to go to. Makeup was my first stop, and it took about two hours. I was a getting prosthetics made out of silicon to add more depth and intensity to my cheekbones. The process was relatively simple and not irritating to my skin.
ProTip: Wear button-down shirts or tops that can easily be removed from your shoulders. You don’t want to pull anything over your head after makeup to prevent smears and smudges.
Venue Check In
Once I was done with makeup, I was given an all-clear to head to the next place. My hair would be done at the site, as well as the rest of my prep. Once finally settled, we were offered some light snacks to keep our energy up.
Putting It All Together
Now for the fun part. We are ready to place the headpiece on my head and get dressed. As a model I am used to people helping me dress. My headpiece weighed over 30lbs. I was not able to bend over, so assistance was necessary.
At first, we had some trouble with securing the headpiece. Considering I had not done my neck exercises for the week, this was going to require some ingenuity. We needed all hands on deck.
Eventually, we were able to create a solution that required I affix my arms to my back. A little kinky, but the pain was tolerable.
The Show
After trying to get the costume on I was the last one in line. as we rode up the elevator it hit me that I would have to descend a flight of stairs with my arms bound carrying a 30lb. headpiece made of sugary goodness. Add an outfit that costs over $500 and socks that are like gliding on an ice-rink, in a room full of people what would you think?
Am I nervous? Of course not, no I am TERRIFIED!!!! As I wait in line with the other models, I watch as one by one each glides effortlessly down the stairs to the audience’s applause. It’s finally my turn, and there is no turning back. This is what the professional does, this is getting into the zone, flow state. I become Finn, and magic happens.
I can’t recall walking the stairs. The only evidence I have is that of the photos taken by Liesa as I walk down, like a queen, as her guests eagerly await her descent. I am now Marie Antionette. Applause erupts as I come to my final resting spot and join in with the other models. We have defied the odds and made the impossible possible. All that remains are the inquisitive looks as guests come and touch the costume. Questions are asked, and I answer with a queen smile. Photos are requested, and a line begins to form. Audience members are impressed with the craftsmanship of the designer’s work. I patiently smile, letting everyone have a turn with a photo opportunity. I look to the designer, and wink: Job well done!
Wrapping Up
Congratulations to the team as I become unbound and my body no longer creates adrenaline and readjusts to its original setting. I undress and hang my items neatly away; they are checked out by the stylist to make sure everything is in order. The committee supplies us with hot pizza, and I indulge, of course. I take home my souvenir of what was only a dream that became a reality. Now that the work is done, all that is left is go to The Atomic and have a glass of Sparkling Rose. I always celebrate my accomplishments and cheers to a job well done.
Final Thoughts
Though many may wonder why I stay here when my talents and abilities can be utilized elsewhere, what they don’t understand is that modeling has taken me around the world. At the same time, Birmingham is more than just home, Birmingham is an opportunity. My focus is and always has been to eliminate narrow suppressed thinking, to look outside the norm, and be open to risk. I am an advocate for creatives living here, particularly models. All should thrive and flourish in their light. I encourage women to find the confidence to embrace their own version of beauty. I stand for those who think differently. To me, modeling isn’t about selling clothes; it’s about the beauty of knowing that someone’s vision was able to become a reality. That is art. It is what I am paid for. I am proud to be a living mannequin. Seeing someone’s eyes light up when you step onto a runway feels good. Till next tales….I’m out of here and make your life a H.I.T.
To the team, thank you for the opportunity and privilege to brining your vision to life. I am forever thankful and honored. Mark, Wardrobe Stylist-Mindi Shapiro, Britt, Billy, Somica Spratley, Forecast Salon, ISHI Luxe, Liesa Cole, The Birmingham Museum of Art, & The Magic City!`
Happy Halloween
