Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Cheeky Banana Photo Shoot Guidelines

Because it is THAT time of the year again when an exciting new collection is being birthed, I felt it would be easier to post the photo shoot information for prospective models to review. Please contact me with any questions. My samples are almost exclusively in a size 4, which is why I look for a model in that size.
-Lesley


Note on Sizing: a size 4 model needs to measure: chest 20.5", hips 23", height around 42.5" otherwise the clothes won't fit well and the pics won't work.

Cheeky Banana Photo Shoot Guidelines


    • Child must show up ready-to-go: be clean & well-groomed (hair up or away from face, no nail polish, no temporary tattoos, and proper shoes for shoot as pre-arranged)
    • Child must be able and willing to stay and fulfill all planned photo shoot requirements for that day (normally an hour or so at a planned location)
    • A parent must accompany each child model to be responsible for assisting with dressing, undressing, re-fixing hair, and ensuring cooperation
    • Please no extra kids/siblings – the models tend to get frustrated when they see other kids playing while they are having to "work."
    • Child model must be able to maintain a pleasant disposition and be cooperative. For this reason I advise parents to consider a child’s temperament over physical attributes as the child must enjoy having their photo taken, hamming it up, and not mind changing clothes a few times for their personality to come through in the photos. I cannot use photos if a child appears unhappy or uncomfortable.
    • If all the above are met, the parent will receive a complimentary photo CD of the shoot, copies of any ads or mailings that feature their child (if applicable) for their portfolio, and a $10 gift card to Target for the child so she can buy a toy of her choosing as a reward. Based on availability, and in lieu of the gift card, a child that does a great job and is able to photograph for more than 3 outfits may choose from a size 4 outfit in stock (not the new samples as those are needed for market.)
    • No eating or playing while wearing sample clothes
    • A photo release is required. This details how the images will be used to ensure that Cheeky Banana is authorized to use the images of a minor with parent approval. Names are never used. 

Friday, June 3, 2011

Summer Sun Sense

Summer swimsuit weather is here and I can’t help noticing the fashion trend towards bikinis for girls of all ages. They are temptingly cute but I can’t help heed the nagging voice of dermatologists everywhere telling us to protect our babies’ skin! Think about it: kids spend ALL of their time wearing swimwear in the open sun and water, not under the shade of an umbrella. This means that even the best sunscreen will have a limited benefit over time.

This is an argument for fashion over function, not often a cause célèbre among designers. Apart from the nature of child’s water play being impractical for skimpy tops - specifically belly slides & flops that can cause injury from rubbing/chafing on a child’s midsection; it just makes sense to have less square footage to lather sunscreen on. For most parents applying and re-applying sunscreen is a battle. Kids just don’t like it. Minimize the drama by having kids’ swimsuits that include a swim shirt (preferably long sleeve) and separate swim bottoms. They are practical and easy to wear for all outdoor water play. Keep in mind kids are always wet so they won’t be hot. I am skeptical of many tankini tops that are as bare in the back as bikinis. Make sure to check out the back as well as the front when considering a tankini for water & sun safety.

Start a fashion trend in your neighborhood. I did and we are all safer for it!



-Lesley Fleming, Designer
Cheeky Banana - specialty children’s clothing

Lesley is a mother of two who designs and manufactures a line of girl’s classic-contemporary boutique clothing in sizes 2-12: Cheeky Banana. All of the clothing is manufactured in North Carolina, where Lesley calls home. To see the designs visit Cheeky Banana on facebook  at http://www.facebook.com/cheekybanana or the website http://www.cheekybanana.com