What is stronger than a diamond? Harder than a diamond? A diamond is the hardest stone on The Mohs Hardness scale and arguably the most beautiful. Woman are TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS. Often, it is our own inhibitions and doubt that dulls our shine. You can be your own worst enemy. This collection is about facing yourself and breaking free of the negative thoughts that hound you. As was intended, TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS harnesses the bravery, confidence and power in every woman and spurs it forth. It should invoke the indomitable belief of “I can” instead of “I can’t”. A bullet to puncture through the carapace of negative thoughts that suppress your dreams. Shatter the demons that mimic your reflection and fully realize the woman within. Female Boxers were a heavy influence, the passion in each urgent swing and dedication to form was truly inspiring. ‘The beauty of the fighter dappled in the long shadows of uncertainty’. In those battles we must battle our own insecurity. Whatever it may appear as, know that you are TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS. Upon the onslaught of doubt, lift your chin and raise your gloves.
The photoshoot, video, and editorial was filmed at the Ultimate Gym in North Carolina, the owner Doug, who graciously let us take over his gym and boxing ring for an entire night, also gave us some awesome suggestions and was present and engaged the whole time. Producer Logan Curtis, Cinema photographer Dre V Solo and company, Photographer Sheila Scott Caroll, Makeup and Hair Artists Annjae Styles and Tatianna Byrd, Models Lissette, Hope, Whitney, Dana, and Modern Dancer Tommi, just to name a few, were instrumental in the production of this shoot. TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS was drawn up back in 2012 and until late 2017 it was just a dream. Bound to sketchbooks and an unrelenting hope, eventually it became reality and actual garments women and men can wear. It’s amazing what a group of passionate people, a dozen mirrors, a leaf blower, and boxing ring can do. Tommi twirled and leaped, showing off the garments true abilities to dazzle and shimmy. The models aimed punches at each other in mock battles in the ring with smiles on their faces. Memories from that will be cherished forever.
The Lookbook fashion shoot was essential in marketing TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS, they graced the pages of each booklet given out at fashion shows. Photographer Sheila Scott Caroll and the models worked their magic, the garments spoke to them, and eventually manifested themselves in the girl’s and Photographer’s hearts. We worked together in her Charlotte studio, with many different backdrops and fascinating props. The atmosphere was highly charged with excitement and positive energy.
This was EmulEos’s second New York Fashion week. It was not any less nerve racking than the first. It challenged the EmulEos team, pressed to the seams and time, in doing so it revealed the capability and adeptness the EmulEos team had within, lying dormant for so long. Something learned, is that New York is not for the weak. Despite technical problems with the video, the show was successful overall. Hosted by Plitzs and The Pennsylvania Hotel, provided the perfect venue with a beautiful backdrop of New York City through the grand windows. The after party, hosted by Logan Curtis was fabulous. Designers and influential people had gathered at the London Hotel Penthouse to celebrate Stevie Boi and EmulEos. It was an amazing night that will never be forgotten. The EmulEos team will be eternally grateful.
