Enchanting Presence
Moments of intimacy, strength and weakness on set, new realizations and a strong friendship; behind the new Maya Negri winter collection lies a wondrous tapestry of collaborations
A couple of weeks ago, top model and new presenter Kin Iglinski landed in our flag-store in Rishpon, along with her suitcases, straight from the airport. It seemed as though a 12 hours flight didn't affect her at all. Within a few moments, she was already standing in front of the mirror, trying on the new collection. Now, as she
departs back to San Francisco, our farewell already involves a sense of excitement; realizing that our collaboration will be fruitful, refreshing and abundant with delicious ideas.
A few weeks had gone by since I decided I want Kim to be Maya Negri presenter till she arrived. My choice of Kim was intuitive and our connection formed on the go, in constant coming into being. During that time, we spoke, familiarized and exposed one another to the content each of us brings to this wonderful collaboration.
We all delved to the winter catalog photo-shoot. Photographer Ron Kedmi's studio was hectic, filled with clothing pieces, our staff, journalists, a great deal of excitement and Kim's enchanting presence. The people who always stand by me – designer Michael Yuabov, stores director Micha Semo, graphic designer Nurit Koniak, stylist Maayan Goldman, Jean, the hair designer and makeup artist Nirit Hirschmann – all stepped up and made sure the results will be breathtaking.
It was the first time I had worked with Ron, and on set I discovered the strength of a masculine balance. He
was calm and peaceful, but knew how to change things with a look or a word. Not everyone, one must admit, can deal with so many powerful women around. Ron did an excellent job. It is clear to me now that I will also collaborate with him in the future.
On set, it always takes time till the atmosphere loosened up and changes. This time was no exception. Everybody wanted everything to work. There was an apprehension in the air, which made me realize we need to change the beat. We played music, popped up the volume and just danced. It worked. The shoots were fantastic.
Kim allowed me to experience the photo-shoot perfectly. She empowered me as a person and as a woman and made me feel comfortable. On the second day, it was time to our joint-shot. I found myself facing a top model, a strong, beautiful woman. At one point, I left the set and went into the dressing room. Kim followed me. I admitted to her I felt awful. Without a word, she held my hand and started an NLP session, in which she specializes.
All through the unexpected session, I felt my heart beats. Kim made it clear that the tears are likely to change and turn to sudden laughter. And sure enough – I suddenly started laughing; a huge laughter that hadn't left me since. I left the room and everyone started laughing with me.
"I'm a model", Kim told me, "That's my profession. You are not supposed to feel like me on set. Surrender that place, let it go". And she was absolutely right. I came to realize I'm facing a confident woman who has everything. There's no doubt in my mind Kim made my confidence bounce back. From there, we went for lunch and couldn't stop laughing.
After the photo-shoots, Ron, Nurit and I selected the visual frames that will lead us into the new season. The collection, as Kim's expressions and movements captured it, unveiled in front of us. The peaks of the last few days all came together to images that made it clear – the garments are coming to life. After the prolonged work in the studio, the visual vision I created from this winter stared right back at me.
The fall-winter 2011-2012 Maya Negri collection is coming your way – in stores, here and on our Facebook and Twitter page. Behind every picture, item and every part of the collection, stands an unusual connection between people and creative work; a complex puzzle in which every piece is imperative. I invite you to join us, to this process, which manages to trigger my emotions each and every season.