Safari Chic

“She slept with wolves without fear, for the wolves knew a lion was among them.”

-R.M. Drake

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders


She conspires to escape her self-conceived cage for a day. “Cancel my meetings! Something’s come up!” Unleashed, liberated and ready for adventure she is spirited away in her private aircraft to her secret tropical sanctuary.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

She’s in touch with her primal side. She walks with the big cats and feels more alive when immersed in the wild.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

She loves function and fashion and sometimes both at once.  Her glamour is a part of her, it goes with her wherever she ventures.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

She is a busy, level-headed woman in high demand. Most will never know that a majestic beast resides within her and awaits the moments when it get’s to come out and play in the sunshine.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

She is fierce and sure of herself, but don’t be fooled, she’s as playful as a kitten under the intimidating exterior…for those brave enough to get close.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

PHOTOS BY: Michael Sanders of Electric Monk Media

HAIR & MAKEUP BY: Patron of Dreams

STYLING BY: Patron of Dreams

VINTAGE: Faux leopard print cape which I inherited from my Great-Grandmother, gold snake belt (worn as necklace) from Ruby Slipper, designer Chloe bag from Ruby Slipper.

THRIFT: Handmade designer platform booties by Jeffrey Campbell, California from Ruby Slipper, belts, gold and rhinestone bangles and sunglasses.

CURRENT: Jumpsuit by H&M, gold chain belt (worn as necklace) by H&M, bra by La Senza, Mukluks by Manitobah Mukluks.

Gypsetters

The Urban Dictionary defines Gypset as “Fusing the ease and carefree lifestyle of a gypsy with the sophistication of the jet set, the Gypsetters are artists, surfers, designers, and bon vivants who live and work around the globe…Gypset Style explores the unconventional, wanderlust lives of these high-low cultural nomads and the bohemian enclaves they inhabit, as well as their counterculture forbears, such as the Victorian explorers, the Lost Generation, the Beatniks, and the hippies.”

Welcome to my parlour! Pull up a cushion and join our bohemian camp. Meet the family, Gregory (my Husband), Lief (eldest son), Finnley (youngest son), Leotie (Lay-o-tee) “The Beast” and of course me, your Patron.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

The creation of this fashion editorial came out of a combination of many passions:  the romantic ideals of the gypsy (Roma) lifestyle;

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

my constant return to bohemian and Tribal Bellydance styles;

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

my strong connection with nature;

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

my wanderlust desire for my family to travel and experience cultural diversity;

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

a kindredness to the wise-witchy-wild-woman of mythology and history;

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

and a deep desire to create an intentional and authentic life with my partner, where all our passions connect and are interwoven like strong fabric.

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

Every prop and piece of clothing used in this editorial came from my home or was borrowed from friends. Each of the models are people who are an integral part of my life.  This editorial is ME completely in my element. Raw, vulnerable and authentic!

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

 

Photo by Michael Sanders

Photo by Michael Sanders

PHOTOS BY: Michael Sanders of Electric Monk Media

HAIR and MAKEUP: Models each did their own with direction from Patron of Dreams.

MODELS (in order of appearance): Patron of Dreams, Gregory Chomichuk (Graphic novelist, artist, illustrator and teacher), Lief Chomichuk, Finnley Chomichuk, Leotie (Flower of the Prairie), Lindsay Borodenko (Fashion Blogger, Merchandiser and Nanny extraordinaire!) and Leanne Veale (Dancer/Choreographer/Teacher).

PATRON OF DREAMS IS WEARING:

Outfit 1: Vintage dress, Le Chateau boots, leather bolero vest by the extraordinary Rampant Design, antique Afghani and Tribal Kuchi necklace, cuffs and rings, Banjara textile belt and Y2 Blu-Authentic velour jacket.

Outfit 2: Antique Banjara textile skirt (Borrowed from the beloved Accalia, Deep Roots Strong Dance (my sister in bellydance), American Apparel bodysuit, Le Chateau boots, vintage velvet burnout scarf and antique Afghani and Tribal Kuchi necklace, cuffs, rings and earrings.

GREGORY IS WEARING: Vintage shirt, vest, scarf, belt and shoes, thrifted pants and Tommy Hilfiger jacket.

LIEF IS WEARING: Joe Fresh pants and shirt, Cherokee vest, Class Club jacket, thrifted shoes, scarf and hat, and Nevada sweater.

FINNLEY IS WEARING: Joe Fresh pants and sweater, Cherokee vest, Gymboree shirt, and thrifted shoes.

LEOTIE IS WEARING: Models own Husky/Whippet fur coat.

LINDSAY IS WEARING: American Eagle Outfitters skirt, American Apparel legwarmers and bodysuit, Browns boots, vintage embroidered jacket, Banjara textile belt and antique Afghani jewelry and scarf.

LEANNE IS WEARING: Re-worked thrifted skirt, Banjara textile belt, Harmonie Bodywear bodysuit, Groggy velvet jacket, thrifted boots and antique Afghani and Tribal Kuchi jewelry.