Black History Month – Day 29 Today we honor RuPaul. Model: Stephon McGee MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Hair: Natalee McGowan “RuPaul, an inspiration to many, especially those in the LGBTQ community. Known for bringing drag into a fierce part of our culture, introducing one of the first LGBTQ cultures to television and still thriving. … Continued

Black History Month – Day 28 A tribute to Basquait. Model: Cristian Kaigler “It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”- Jean-Michel Basquait. Basquait was a true personification of the word “artist”. Breaking so many barriers like racism and classism is a true testament to how powerful his … Continued

Black History Month – Day 27 Today we honor Nina Simone. Model: Dutchess Williams “Activist. Black classical pianist. Traveler… But a Black Woman first! ‘There is no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes or heroines are or were.’ – Nina Simone. I am Nina. Nina is me. I am Black History.” … Continued

Black History Month- Day 26 Today we pay homage to Muhammad Ali. Model: Mell T. Meus “Muhammad Ali once said “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough” which really resonated with me. I’ve always had big dreams, but was also very scared of taking the risks. After learning the history of Muhammad … Continued

Black History Month – Day 25 A tribute to Janet Jackson. Model: Natalee McGowan “I know that today we are celebrating Janet Jackson, but I would first like to take a minute to celebrate Natalee! She is our go-to for everything hair and has played such a significant role in this project. She has never … Continued

Black History Month- Day 24 An homage to Billie Holiday. Model: Francesca Howard “Billie didn’t live a long life nor an easy one. She did however, completely redefine what it meant to sing. She found her voice admiring and imitating the great jazz instruments and likewise created a sound all her own, which during her … Continued

Black History Month – Day 23 Today we honor Busta Rhymes. Model: Sean Adams “Busta Rhymes has been around through many different eras of hip hop and has become a hip hop legend and has worked with numerous artists building his career from the ground up. His style and attitude over the years has changed … Continued

Black History Month – Day 22 A tribute to Diana Ross. Model: TeNesha Murphy MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Hair: Natalee McGowan “Before Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys there was Diana Ross, paving the way for our voices, stories and culture to be accepted, appreciated and loved by all. In … Continued

Black History Month- Day 21 A tribute to Prince. Model: Joshua Michael King MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Hair: Natalee McGowan Jacket: S&M Creations Prince (June 7, 1958- April 21, 2016) “More than a musical legend, Prince Rogers Nelson has redefined what it means to be Black Excellence; breaking barriers in the arts, music, philanthropy, … Continued

Black History Month – Day 20 Today we celebrate Stevie Wonder. Model: Nicholas Jules “I think this is a worthy project because it captures the essence of prolific African American figures and also shows the modeling talents of African Americans in Syracuse who don’t have the same degree of platforms.”- Nicholas Jules Child prodigy, Stevie … Continued

Black History Month- Day 19 Today we honor Alvin Ailey. Model: Charles Haislah Charles’ favorite quote of Alvin Ailey’s is “Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.” Alvin Ailey was an African-American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist. A … Continued

Black History Month – Day 18 An homage to Maya Angelou. Model: Tiffany N. Jackson “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you!” Quote by Maya Angelou… This specific quote is one that pushes me to continue to write and continuously tell the remaining story of Authoress Tiffany N. Jackson, me! … Continued

Black History Month – Day 17 A tribute to Miles Davis. Model: Yahkeef Davis “It’s an honor to be able to portray one of the most influential jazz musicians in history. His work inspired musicians around the world to take whatever style of music they play and make it their own.” – Yahkeef Davis American … Continued

Black History Month- Day 16 Today we honor Ella Fitzgerald. Model: Jamie Ann Owens “My childhood Sundays smelled of bacon, orange juice, and my grandparent’s cigarette smoke. It’s laments of Armstrong, Holiday, and Fitgerald were the soundtrack. My Sunday’s were rich in jazz. Man, the things Ella could do with her voice! It made me … Continued

Black History Month – Day 15 We celebrate Whitney Houston. Model: Gala Hughley Hair: Natalee McGowan Makeup: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup   “The day has come in which young black children can look at the TV screen and see themselves represented in a positive manner. My heart is filled with joy. What a time to … Continued

Black History Month – Day 14 A tribute to Grace Jones. Model: Nastasia English Makeup Artist: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup “There was always someone else in the way until I worked out how to make myself the one who was in the way of others.” -Grace Jones, I’ll Never Write My Memoirs “Thank you for … Continued

Black History Month – Day 13 A homage to Marvin Gaye. Model: Evan Starling -Davis   “I grew up listening to everything, especially the classics; sounds and emotions carefully devised by a community that has repeatedly been deemed other, alternative, etc. i.e. BLACK. What I’ve come to know is that I prefer it that way. … Continued

Black History Month – Day 12 Today we honor Assata Shakur. Model: Alice “Queen” Olom “Assata Shakur is the kind of woman ,black or white, that not only frustrates white supremacy, white nationalism and the racial and discriminatory system that the US built it’s back on, but also agitates the patriarchy. This is the kind … Continued

Black History Month- Day 11 A homage to Malcolm X Model: Devante Vanderpool “Malcom X inspired me to become a better man as a spokesman, leader and activist for my community. What people don’t know is before he became X his life was a struggle– being a pimp , drug abuse and not even knowing … Continued

Black History Month – Day 10 Today we pay tribute to Joe Henderson. Model: Amani Jackson “Joe Henderson is one of the greatest inspirations to me artistically. He’s actually the musician that molded me into the jazz fan that I am today. One of the greatest saxophonists of all time and his debut album Page … Continued

Black History Month – Day 9 Honoring Dorothy Dandridge Model: Destynee Raines “I’ve often been told I share the late Dorothy Dandridge’s resemblance. I hope to become even half as much of an influence as she was. A trail blazer for black actresses and singers in Hollywood — her shoes are definitely going to be … Continued

Black History Month – Day 8 Today we celebrate Josephine Baker! Model: Mariah Williams Hair: Natalee McGowan Special thanks to Syracuse Antiques Exchange for lending us the faux fur wrap, earrings and bracelet! “What Josephine Baker means to me: She inspires me to reflect on the things that make myself and the ones around me … Continued

Black History Month – Day 7 We honor James Baldwin. Model: James Appleton “My first experience with James Baldwin stems from his essay ‘Nobody Knows My Name’, a work of African American literature which exemplifies W.E.B. DuBois notion of “tragic soul-life” –a theory he uses to explain the legacy of suffering that defines the history … Continued

Black History Month – Day 6 A salute to Bob Marley. Model: Emanuel Washington “Bob is the king of Reggae music. His message of peace, love and positive vibrations will live forever. Jah! Rastafari!!” – Emanuel Washington A beacon of hope and peace, Bob Marley used his music to spread messages of unity and standing … Continued

Black History Month – Day 5 Today we pay tribute to Angela Davis. Model: J.C. Osuna “I’ve always admired Angela Davis. To me she is the epitome of blackness and activism. She is absolutely iconic, from her hair to her voice. I absolutely loved being a part of this project, especially because Angela Davis is … Continued

Black History Month – Day 4 Today we honor science fiction author, Octavia Butler. Model: Martikah Williams “Octavia Butler was a pioneer for African American authors in science fiction. Her work demonstrates that we are not only capable of telling compelling stories, but those stories can be led by black characters. Her imagination had no … Continued

Black History Month- Day 3 Today, we pay homage to Coretta Scott King. Model: Keyanna Coleman Hair: Natalee McGowan “President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. Now … Continued

Black History Month – Day 2 Today we honor American novelist, Toni Morrison Model: Lauren Ligon “Toni Morrison for me, was the embodiment of Black Girl Magic. She was grace & perseverance personified, and did not allow her circumstances, experiences, or societal constraints to stunt her growth & abilities – her art was unapologetic and … Continued

February is Black History Month! We’ve joined forces with our homie and local artist, Jaleel Campbell to put together a full month of imagery to honor some of our favorite movers and shakers! Each day in February we will be paying homage to a different inspirational figure by alluding to one of their iconic portraits. … Continued

DAY 31 Model: Marcela Tobar MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Hair: Natalee McGowan Photography: Jessica Montgomery We began this journey with imagery of the Skeleton Prince, an elaborate look that Marcela had so carefully put together, and throughout these 31 days you have seen a LOT of other beautiful Halloween makeup looks that she has … Continued

DAY 30 Model: Eliza Jeffers MUA: Julianna Pastella of Pastel Makeup and Style  Leather Accessories: Sammy Zimnock of Artemis Hand Forged Photography: Jessica Montgomery Mischievous and malevolent, minion of the Underworld… What’s more “Halloween” than a demon straight from Hell?

DAY 29 Models: Wyatt Montgomery and Rowan Montgomery MUA: Hannah Iozzia Photography: Jessica Montgomery These are my “Other” children. Coraline is one of their favorite “scary” movies and they are always so interested in what Mom does at work so I surprised them with their very own photoshoot. They absolutely loved playing model and getting … Continued

DAY 28 Model: Margot Elizabeth MUA: Hannah Iozzia Photography: Jessica Montgomery We present to you: the “Pumpkin King” of Halloween Town! Tim Burton’s Jack Skellington, the patron spirit of Halloween, is curious, idealistic, and enthusiastic. His strong leadership skills paired with his kind nature makes him a favorite holiday character.

DAY 27 Model: Breana DeVey Hair: Natalee McGowan Photography: Jessica Montgomery   Do you believe in ghosts?

DAY 26 Model: Nadine Prince Photography: Jessica Montgomery Stingy Jack played tricks on the Devil. When he died, he wasn’t allowed into heaven OR hell and so now his soul roams the earth for eternity. Keep a jack-o-lantern in your window to scare all wandering souls away from your home.

DAY 25 Model: Joelynn Avery Styling: A Very Vintage Venue: Syracuse Antiques Exchange Photography: Jessica Montgomery   “But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we— Of many far wiser than we— And neither the angels in Heaven above Nor the demons down under the sea … Continued

DAY 24 Model: Zoe Scialdone MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Photography: Jessica Montgomery Newly awakened, thousands of years after death, she emerges from her sarcophagus in search of vengeance. The mysteries of ancient Egypt have kept the Western World curious for centuries. Considered a “Classic Monster”, The Mummy will forever be classic Halloween.

DAY 23 Model: Rachel Hall Photography: Jessica Montgomery One of the best parts of Halloween has always been playing dress up. Put on a mask and a cape and be a superhero, or paint your face and bite into a fake blood capsule and be undead, or even a wig and fancy gown and be … Continued

DAY 22 Model: John O’Reilly MUA: Hanna Iozzia Photography: Jessica Montgomery Meet John O’Lantern, the werepumpkin. By day he carves steaks, by night he carves faces.

DAY 21 Model: Nadine Prince Photography: Jessica Montgomery It’s not really spooky season without a cheesy slasher movie.

DAY 20 Model: Emily Anne MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Designer: Chloe Schnell Designs Photography: Jessica Montgomery Serving as a spy for Apollo, a prophet for Bran Stark, and a mournful reminder for Edgar Allan Poe, the raven portrays complex symbolism throughout the history of art and literature. Ravens are often accompanied by bad omens, … Continued

DAY 19 Model: Eerie Rottica Location Scout/Guide: Marty Butts Photography: Jessica Montgomery When you hear the word “witch,” what comes to mind? Hermoine Granger? The Sanderson Sisters? A pointy hat and a wart covered nose? In pop culture, the term “witch” generally just means a woman with magical powers. There are good witches and evil … Continued

DAY 18 Model: Rachel Hall Designer: Rachel Hall Photography: Jessica Montgomery Don’t dare to stray from the path! The Big Bad Wolf is lurking in the trees and hungry for human flesh. Hurry along to Grandma’s house or risk being gobbled up and never seen again…  

DAY 17 Model: Riley Hyatt MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Venue: Syracuse Antiques Exchange Photography: Jessica Montgomery Do you ever get that feeling that someone is watching you? Have you been hearing strange noises? That doll your Aunt gave you just give you the heebie jeebies ? Maybe it’s possessed.  

DAY 16 Model: Margot Elizabeth Photography: Jessica Montgomery Halloween doesn’t always have to be gory and scary. It’s also a time to celebrate the supernatural and unknown. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Temporarily suspend your disbelief and enjoy the enchantment of the season.

DAY 15 Model: Amanda Eicholzer MUA: Maggie Carlin Hair: Natalee McGowan Photography: Jessica Montgomery She can give you wealth, fame, power, anything at all that your heart desires– all it will cost you is your soul…

DAY 14 Model: Brian Sommer Photography: Jessica Montgomery “Bloody Mary…Bloody Mary…Bloody Mary!” Boo.  

DAY 13 Model: Alexis Reed MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Skirt: Reed Designs Photography: Jessica Montgomery “We’re painting the roses red.” Quick-tempered, demanding, and willy nilly with the death sentence, she’s everyone’s favorite psychotic monarch. Please enjoy this gorey reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll’s Queen of Hearts.

DAY 12 Model: Natalee McGowan Hair and Makeup: Natalee McGowan Designer: S&M Designs Photography: Jessica Montgomery The Dark Priestess… As powerful and frightening as she is, she is equally tempting and alluring. Bound to the will of her Dark Lord, she is compelled to gather and indoctrinate unsuspecting mortals into his vile family. If she … Continued

DAY 11 Blackberry Mule 1911 Vodka Ginger Beer Lime Juice Fresh Blackberries Dry Ice (optional) What better way to get in the festive mood than with a witchy cocktail? To make this beautiful dark beverage, let your black berries soak in 1911 vodka for a bit and then smush them up to let out all … Continued

DAY 10 Models: John O’Reilly and Jason Ngo MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Photography: Jessica Montgomery Vampires. Bloodsucking, immortal, seductive. They are lurking in the shadows, patiently waiting for their next victim. With their heightened senses, they know you are coming from a mile away and will be ready for you. Quick and quiet, you’ll … Continued

DAY 9 Model: Jessica Montgomery MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Photography: Jessica Montgomery Photos of me are rare, and now you know why! Lol. Just kidding. I try my best to stay BEHIND the camera, but how could I say no when Marcela asked so sweetly?! The idea of playing model gives me so much … Continued

DAY 8 Model: Breana DeVey Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist: Chelsey Mollin of Aliyah Health Creative Direction: Natalee McGowan Photography: Jessica Montgomery These photos may look creepy, but acupuncture is actually used to treat pain, stress management, and overall wellness! When Chelsey Mollin, a specialist in Chinese medicine, volunteered her services, we couldn’t resist the chance … Continued

DAY 7 Model: Alina Payton MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Hair: Natalee McGowan Designer: S&M Designs Photographer: Jessica Montgomery   Lilith: Demon of the night. According to folklore, she was Adam’s first wife until she was banished from the Garden of Eden. Exiled for refusing to submit to her husband and for her sensuality and … Continued

DAY 6 Models: Celine Rahman and Nasrene Shehadeh MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Photographer: Jessica Montgomery “Burn! Burn her!” “Quiet! quiet! Quiet! There are ways of telling whether she is a witch.” ….. “Tell me, what do you do with witches?” “Burn!” “Burn, burn them up!” “And what do you burn apart from witches?” “More … Continued

DAY 5   Model: Rachel Hall MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Designer: Rachel Hall of Wishes and Wardrobes Staff: The Art of Craftmanship Photography: Jessica Montgomery   Maleficent. Powerful, evil, terrifying. A classic villain, first appearing in Disney’s 1959 “Sleeping Beauty”, she still has us intoxicated with her wicked wiles. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is … Continued

Model: Stephon McGee MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Photography: Jessica Montgomery   “So the heathen gods placed upon the gold…a terrible curse. Any mortal that removes but a single piece from that stone chest shall be punished for eternity.” – Hector Barbossa, The Pirates of the Caribbean Buried treasure and pirates’ curses always make for … Continued

Model: Jason Ngo as Yuka Liptis as Morticia Addams MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Photography: Jessica Montgomery   She’s creepy and she’s kooky, Mysterious and spooky, She’s all together ooky, DRAGTICIA ADDAMS Mysterious and macabre, Morticia Addams is our favorite matriarch. Silly, spooky and sexy, she has us all enraptured. The moment we met Yuka … Continued

DAY 2 Model: Lana Stevens MUA: Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup Headpiece: Marcela Tobar Designer: S&M Designs Photography: Jessica Montgomery   Don’t look directly at these images! You might turn to stone! From DaVinci to Versace, Medusa has been an artist’s favorite subject for centuries. Legend holds that Medusa was once a beautiful maiden with golden … Continued

In celebration of the most magical of all holidays, Stay Fresh presents: 31 Days of Halloween! We’ve been waiting for an entire year, but finally, October is here! Fall leaves, corn mazes, pumpkin spice everything, and best of all…HALLOWEEN. The one time of year when it’s socially acceptable to be tantalized by the macabre, to … Continued