Creative Studio Services, Inc.

Is a non-profit, focusing on training talented creative individuals, that live in BIPOC communities!

Focusing on training the individuals that live in BIPOC communities (Black Indigenous People Of Color), that have artistic talent. Who would like to have a career in the entertainment, commercial, beauty and fashion industry! Which would include not only theory but practical training.

At the same time, developing their portfolio with photo shoots of their work!
In order to increase their chances of employment.

Training low income people, to build up their portfolio that would like to get into the entertainment industry … such as film, commercials, print work, styling, makeup and hair, and photoshoots … in order for them to succeed in their career of choice.

www.dianneo.com

ABOUT

“Quote” I have 10 different skills. I don't want to eliminate 9 just to showcase one.
dianneo.com

As a Creative Director, I can bring in a very strong team to tell a compelling story for my clients. Beautiful make-up, whether it be natural beauty … glamour … or avant-garde. Hair design, because I'm able to see the whole picture, and tell the story. As a fashion stylist, I create characters with a very strong point of view — from edgy, to classic beauty. In post-production, I'm there to the end in order to achieve excellence. “Quote” I have 10 different skills. I don't want to eliminate 9 just to showcase one.

Beauty

BEAUTY

I think like an artist your face is my canvas! dianneo.com

When I create Beauty images, I think like an artist --- my major was in Design, and my minor was in Art. The face is my canvas; I start by applying foundation, because there may be shadows or imperfections that will show up in the photos or in the video. It’s very important to make the skin look flawless and natural.

There are certainly times when a makeup artist is called on to apply more extreme forms of makeup, but my expertise is Beauty, mostly Natural Beauty. I look to bring forth the positives, and downplay the negatives. 

When I apply makeup on a woman, I focus on the most sensual parts of her face --- the eyes, the lips, and the eyebrows. My style is to draw a pouting mouth, which looks sensual and youthful. As for the eyes, I like to emphasize their beauty, but not overpower them with too much eye shadow. And the eyebrows should be an uplifting expression of who the woman is. I believe it’s possible to do an eye lift just by redesigning her eyebrows and still have them look natural (unless the intent is otherwise).

BEAUTY

When I apply makeup on a woman, I focus on the most sensual parts of her face!
dianneo.com

I came up with the "Smoky Eye" look when I was hired to fly to New York and produce a look for CeCe Winans, the Grammy® Award winning gospel singer. CeCe was performing in a music video with Whitney Houston, for a song from the soundtrack of the film "Waiting to Exhale." The director asked for 3 different looks: a natural look; a pretty look; and a glamorous look. The Smoky Eye was my glamorous look, which won compliments from the director. As far as I know, the term “Smoky eye” had never been mentioned before, until I created it.

BEAUTY

I came up with the "Smoky Eye" look when I was hired to fly to New York and produce a look for CeCe Winans, the Grammy® Award winning gospel singer. CeCe
dianneo.com

I’m fortunate to have worked with major fashion magazines, so I know the difference between stage makeup, film makeup and fashion makeup. Many other makeup artists only know how to do stage makeup, but I know how to do all those different looks, which gives me an advantage.

BEAUTY

I like full lips, they make a woman look sensual, sexy, youthful. Regardless of age.
dianneo.com

The photo above (blonde, upsweep, white gloves, jewelry) is glamorous. It would work very well for jewelry or cosmetics. I styled the model in a fuchsia/pink look. It all came out in the jewelry and the lips. I did re-draw her lips. I like full lips, they make a woman look sensual, sexy, youthful. Regardless of age, you always have to draw up, not down. The face looks flawless, but not overly made up. I added lashes and drew her eyebrows, but there’s still a natural touch that says glamorous beauty. I would say high glamor, high style.

BEAUTY

When I do hair shots for a product, I want to make a statement !!!
dianneo.com

When I do hair shots for a product, I want to make a statement, not just a commercial shot. The hair should be healthy, shiny, and have movement. The lips are kissable, full, sensual. And she’s loving the way her hair and her lips look. It looks as though all the girl had to do, is put on a cool lipstick and look fabulous. But the shape of the lips is always important.

BEAUTY

A woman always want to feel that her hair has a flow.
dianneo.com

I like this hair shot, because I believe it says a lot without saying too much. It’s editorial, contemporary. A woman always want to feel that her hair has a flow. There’s nothing artificial about this. I put a fan on the model, and I had the model move her hair every which way, so that it was interesting even if it wasn’t perfect. To me this shot is natural and it stands on its own merits

BEAUTY

Classic beauty! It’s timeless. This woman’s photo will never grow old.
dianneo.com

A tribute to Classic Hollywood. I absolutely love this look. It’s timeless. This woman’s photo will never grow old. I drew inspiration from the likes of Lana Turner, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, and Lauren Bacall.

BEAUTY

Let your jewelry speak!
dianneo.com

For the photo on the left, I wanted an exotic, beautiful image, to make a statement with a single piece of jewelry in a chic, bohemian style. The model on the right is French actress Claire Dodin. I created a look that was elegant and royal, which could double as a jewelry ad or a beauty ad. 

BEAUTY

The artist Fei is into sensuality and beauty. dianneo.com

The artist Fei is into sensuality and beauty. I wanted the photo to tell the story of who she is as an artist. Her color ranges are very rich, very sensual, very thoughtful. She lives her art, she represents her art. Her paintings reflect her inner, sensual being.

SKILLS

I wear many hats!
dianneo.com

Creative director, photo-shop, editing, post production, MUA, hair, stylist, model casting, location scouting, staging/decor, model casting, choreography, and fashion shows.

INDUSTRIES

I love doing it all!!
dianneo.com

Film, television, music videos, commercial, advertisement, editorial, photoshoots, award shows, red carpet on scouting, staging/decor, model casting, choreography, and fashion shows.

BIO

I had the privilege of working with the best! dianneo.com

Bio

BIO

My work!
dianneo.com

I became a Creative Director after years of working in the Entertainment and Fashion industries. My work consisted of fashion styling, makeup and hair for fashion magazines, films, television productions, and red carpet events (Grammy Awards, MTV Awards, VH1 Awards, etc.)

I also worked on many national TV commercials, which gave me experience and knowledge of how to advertise products and brands, including Seagram’s, Salon Selectives, Lincoln Mercury, Coca Cola, Perrier, and others. I worked with such directors as Andrei Konchalovsky, David Kellogg, Joe Pytka, Peter Nydrle, and more.

Additionally, I worked on editorials and fashion ads which appeared in print magazines such as Vogue, Glamor, Interview, W, People, etc. with photographers such as Kevin Abosch, Steve Schapiro, Robert Lynden, Susan Shacter, Firooz Zahedi, Aaron Rapoport, and others.

BIO

Behind the scenes …
dianneo.com

In the Nineties, I decided to open my own boutique, where I carried upscale clothing and accessories from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. In addition to being the buyer for my boutique, I extended the range of my activities to start an online fashion magazine, and a blog … which forced me to draw upon all my previous experiences.

Having been fortunate to work with and learn from a variety of extremely talented specialists in the industry, I became the one who directed the photoshoots and pulled together photographers, locations, decor, models, makeup, hair, clothes, and accessories.

As a Creative Director, I also developed experience producing, staging, and marketing events: fashion shows to help launch and promote fashion lines and accessory lines; real estate property staging to stimulate sales; a red carpet Oscar® event at a private club to attract new members; a fashion/auction/fundraiser to commemorate the wife of John H. Johnson (founder of Ebony magazine); and so on.

Philosophy and Approach

My approach is a fit for Luxury, Premium, and Aspirational products that respect the timeless finesse of a brand’s tradition.
dianneo.com

Philosophy and Approach

In multiple instances, I produced editorial fashion shoots to promote fashion lines aimed at sophisticated women.

I showcase fashions as an integral part of women’s lifestyles, rather than as static product shots. For examples, for one of the editorials I chose a location decorated in a Hollywood Regency style, inspired by 1930s classic Hollywood glamor.

I produce looks that appeal to people who enjoy classic glamor. Classic glamor is a look, I’m very passionate about. I feel it is timeless, enduring, and appeals to people of great taste regardless of age.

My approach is a fit for Luxury, Premium, and Aspirational products that respect the timeless finesse of a brand’s tradition, but with an updated, contemporary look. Automobiles like Bentley, Rolls Royce, certain Mercedes models, Range Rover. Fashion designers like Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Halston. Jewelry by Harry Winston or Tiffany. Boutique hotels styled by famous fashion designers.

Philosophy and Approach

Love the Boutique hotels, styled by famous fashion designers!
dianneo.com

The woman who embodies this lifestyle is active, but she also values beauty. She’s into health and fitness; she tries to stay trim. She’s very much into skincare and skin protection. She goes once or twice a month to an esthetician, once a week to a nail salon, gets her hair colored every three weeks, and her hair cut once a month. She probably has a very busy social life and travel schedule, possibly a business calendar, and she’s actively involved in charitable events. So she may rely upon a personal shopper who helps her save time, and keep her closet organized.

Philosophy and Approach

My creative projects reflect a strong and consistent point of view, not a compromise by committee. dianneo.com

Either way, since I have multiple skills and wear multiple hats, I don’t need to supervise a large and diverse team of specialists. By working personally, on almost every aspect of the creative production, I bring a seamless integrity of execution. Being hands-on, I ensure that the end result matches the original vision, with minimal need to edit other people’s work. My creative projects reflect a strong and consistent point of view, not a compromise by committee.

ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY

TIFFANY & CO. JEWELRY
dianneo.com

Challenge: Introduce a line of Tiffany & Co. pendants to a new target market --- upscale Hispanic customers.

Some clients, especially early-stage clients, need my help coming up with a vision. More established clients already have a vision, and I know how to respect that.

I was approached by Circulo Magazine to come up with a look for Tiffany & Co. to reach the affluent Hispanic market, which is different than the American market. Hispanic women’s style is sensual and feminine, from their dresswear to their accessories and makeup.

At the same time, I wanted to respect Tiffany & Co. as a classic brand. I wanted to give them the freedom to use my visuals in a cosmopolitan way, appealing to multiple ethnicities. So I picked a model with a “crossover” look with which both Hispanic and American women could identify. I didn’t want the model’s look to be typecast, stereotyped.

As Creative Director, I found a newly designed estate in the affluent community of Rancho Santa Fe, California. This venue conveyed the richness for which Tiffany is known.

I used a couple of different designers, whose fashions would complement the jewelry. I produced 3 different looks: a cocktail dress; a summer dress; and a gown –– a window on a lifestyle to which a young woman could relate.

Tasks: location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design

ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY

SEN COLLECTION “FASHION”
dianneo.com

Challenge #1:  Extend a brand's image portfolio, to simultaneously appeal to two target segments --- GenY and GenX.

Challenge #2:  Align the brand's images with its premium price points.

Sen is a Los Angeles-based, Korean designer.

The look of her fashions is very sensual, and very body conscious — wearing her creations requires the right physique. Her designs have a very clean, architectural line.

I decided to showcase her designs in a sophisticated setting, supporting a premium price point. I directed the photoshoot to appeal to two customer segments: affluent Gen Y customers and young celebrities (primary target market) as well as Gen Xers (expanded target market).

I styled photo shoot to look as if it belonged in Italian Vogue. I rented a suite at a cool upscale hotel, to suggest a young celebrity lifestyle, building toward a red carpet event.

Tasks:

location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design!

I like a lavish style of beauty, beyond glamor even, and I like to bring it into the styling of my projects. Visually strong, clean, luxurious, intelligent design … but also very usable.

In addition to fashion and beauty, I would love to work on projects for hotels, for yachts, for museums. As long as I get to showcase them in ways that people haven’t seen before, by incorporating unexpected contrasts. Tastefully mixing eclectic influences, such as ancient and modern, tribal and modern, and so on.

ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY  

ZAEEM JAMAL “FASHION”
dianneo.com

Challenge: Localize an overseas fashion brand's image, to suit U.S. tastes and styles.

After achieving success in Dubai and London, fashion designer Zaeem Jamal was determined to break into the U.S. market.

His pieces are well made, with beautiful fabrics, definitely for affluent women. I was asked to create an advertorial to help promote the designer and his brand.

The brand’s existing photo imagery, the designer’s focus on esoteric spiritualism, and the overall marketing strategy needed to be realigned with U.S. market realities, in my view. The designer wanted to target Hollywood celebrities directly, bypassing their stylists/gatekeepers. But the existing imagery tended to appear somewhat missy/traditional, which made it challenging for the brand's image to align with the intended customer base, to break through the “market noise” of so many other competing lines, and to impress the right influencers.

The brand's imagery needed to be localized to U.S. tastes and styles. Since Zaeem Jamal’s designs have a classic flair, with very rich jeweltone colors, I decided to do a photoshoot in a penthouse condo decorated in a Hollywood Regency style and sensibility. 

Tasks:

location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design

ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY

NIKKI RICH “FASHION”
dianneo.com

Challenge:   Elevate an emerging fashion brand's visual portfolio --- from catalog imagery to lifestyle imager

Nikki Rich is a clothing line designed by Nikki Lund and rock musician Richie Sambora.

Nikki Rich clothes have great body-conscious lines, they’re fun, they have a certain elegance — but above all, I intuited that this clothing line would appeal to a young, hip, cool, fashionable, affluent GenY woman. Specifically, a socially active young woman who is confident about having her own, unique look at clubs and other entertainment events. Her clothes are her skin and her personality.

The clothing company's website relied upon static catalog imagery. To elevate the image portfolio, I decided to tell a visual story about the target customer as she lives her lifestyle, wearing Nikki Rich designs. I identified a photo shoot location that would complement the fashions: a Mediterranean-style residence with contemporary decor.

Tasks:

location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design

My sweet spot are brands that keep up with the times, but don’t compromise their strong classic core and don’t succumb to fads.

Because I’ve had years of personal experience dealing in a one-on-one setting with customers who like premium and luxury products, I understand what they like. I know what buttons to push. I can bring that wealth of practical insight and experience to advertisers.

I can quickly and confidently craft a visual message that speaks directly to that customer segment – I know what fits their lifestyle from a practical standpoint, not a theoretical standpoint.

I know how to elicit two critical reactions: “Oh Wow” plus “I Want”.

For example, I produced an editorial photoshoot for Lyla Renai, a high-end women’s golfwear line that is upscale, feminine, and cool. I took the designer’s vision and showed that the garments have both a practical side and a fashionable side — they can be worn on the golf course and also at the clubhouse’s fine dining restaurant.

ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY

LYLA RENAI “SPORTSWEAR + FASHION” dianneo.com

Challenge:  Help launch a new brand that crosses sportswear with fashion.

Lyla is a fashion designer; her husband is an architect. Their architectural firm designs and builds golf resorts. They both have a passion for golf.

Lyla could not find a line of upscale women’s golfwear that looked feminine, pretty and stylish. So she decided to create her own line of golfwear for women. She asked for my help, and I stepped in as Creative Director for her line.

I introduced her to a French designer who agreed to make the patterns and samples for her --- about 8 different styles. The idea was a line of very fashionable golfwear. A woman could wear the garment on the golfcourse and then, by simply changing her shoes and adding some accessories, she could wear the same outfit to dine at the clubhouse, and still look fabulous.

I also produced a fashion show in Los Angeles for a small launch, and I produced an editorial photoshoot for promotional and marketing purposes. The editorial photoshoot showcased the outfits in the context of the lifestyle of Lyla Renai's target customers.

What was unique about this project:  

We didn’t start out with a finished product to promote; I was brought in from the point of conception. Though the project involved a lot of work and many trials, I found it joyful to work on something fresh and new and free of cynicism. And I loved being able to help shape the dream and the vision from start to finish.

Tasks:

location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design!

ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY

“Lady Sharma Millinery” My Hat !s My Crown! dianneo.com

DIANNE O.   ‖   CREATIVE  DIRECTOR

Dianne O. is a Creative Director specializing in --

*  Image reinventions for established celebrities. Transformative photoshoots.

*  Brand awareness / camera readiness guidance for breakout talents.

*  Visual strategies for Luxury / Premium / Aspirational brands.

*  Product placement.

*  Re-aligning timeless, classic brands with modern customer lifestyles.

*  Designing memorable looks for films, TV shows, music videos, live performances, red carpet events, commercial ads.


ADVERTORIAL  CASE  STUDY

SAND “FASHION”
dianneo.com

Challenge:  Style a set of U.S.-friendly looks for an edgy, individualistic European line.

The Sand fashion line originated in Denmark in the 80s, but their retail store concept is relatively new to the U.S.  Their focus has largely been on menswear: edgy, daring and unusual colors and patterns; fashion forward; good quality; different; pricey.

Sand’s women’s wear is European style. Nice quality, feminine, a little more conservative.

For the photoshoot, I decided to combine a set of looks that were balanced, not too trendy. My idea was to show that a man could maintain his masculinity while wearing unusual designs, without looking like he’s trying too hard. This required being very selective. My core concept was to make the clothes look wearable. 

As I see it, Sand’s target customer is an individualist. He knows who he is, he’s into the way he looks. He isn’t shy at all about dressing with flair, he likes to go out, he doesn’t need to dress like everyone else. He does like to be seen, but not overtly so. I wanted to show a cool look, with a grown-up sensibility.

I chose 3 different locations for the photo shoot. For the male model, I selected outdoors venues with high textural contrasts. For the female model, I used a chic French restaurant located in the tony Sunset Plaza district.

Tasks:

location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design!

ADVERTORIAL CASE STUDY

LBJ “ACCESSORIES”
dianneo.com

Challenge: Create two imagery packages — one for promotional uses, the other for an e-commerce catalog.

LBJ iPad bags were a very exciting project. The designer came up with iPad bags of various sizes, for both men and women. The bags have a very luxurious style, being crafted from materials with a rich look and feel. They’re also very practical --- they’re great for traveling and running around. The iPad bag can double as a purse, it hangs very well, it molds itself to the hip. I use one myself and I love it.

Wherever the designer went, people loved her iPad bags and wanted to buy them. But at the time I met the designer, she had no marketing materials whatsoever, so I stepped in as Creative Director, to put together a complete package to market her iPad bags.

She asked me to arrange two photoshoots: an editorial-style photoshoot for promotional, and a look book and-catalog product shoot.

Tasks:

location scouting, wardrobe sourcing, photographer hiring, model casting, MUA, hair, stylist, craft service arrangements model casting, transportation arrangements, art directer photoshoot staging & direction, photo selection & editing advertorial layout design!

Classic and edgy!
dianneo.com

DIANNE O.   ‖   CREATIVE  DIRECTOR

Dianne O. is a Creative Director specializing in --

*  Image reinventions for established celebrities. Transformative photoshoots.

*  Brand awareness / camera readiness guidance for breakout talents.

*  Visual strategies for Luxury / Premium / Aspirational brands.

*  Product placement.

*  Re-aligning timeless, classic brands with modern customer lifestyles.

*  Designing memorable looks for films, TV shows, music videos, live performances, red carpet events, commercial ads.

Contact  Dianne O.

ENTERTAINER CASE STUDY

CLAIRE DODIN “ACTRESS”
dianneo.com

Challenge:  Showcase Claire's readiness to transition from supporting roles to leading roles.

ENTERTAINER CASE STUDY

CAS ANVAR “ACTOR”
dianneo.com

Challenge: Showcase Cas's readiness to transition from supporting roles to leading roles.

DIANNE O.   ‖   CREATIVE  DIRECTOR

Dianne O. is a Creative Director specializing in --

*  Image reinventions for established celebrities. Transformative photoshoots.

*  Brand awareness / camera readiness guidance for breakout talents.

*  Visual strategies for Luxury / Premium / Aspirational brands.

*  Product placement.

*  Re-aligning timeless, classic brands with modern customer lifestyles.

*  Designing memorable looks for films, TV shows, music videos, live performances, red carpet events, commercial ads.

Contact  Dianne O.

ENTERTAINER CASE STUDY

CHRISTINA ROBINSON “ACTRESS” dianneo.com

Challenge: Showcase Christina Robinson's transformation from young supporting actress (on "Dexter") to dramatic, glamorous actress.

ENTERTAINER CASE STUDY

NATALIE GAL “MODEL / ACTRESS” dianneo.com

Challenges: Create strong visuals to support Natalie's transition from model to actress. Emphasize her dramatic look potential

ENTERTAINER CASE STUDY

BROOKLYN HALEY “SINGER”
dianneo.com

Challenge: Showcase the fashionable side of a young singer / songwriter.

DIANNE O.   ‖   CREATIVE  DIRECTOR
Dianne O. is a Creative Director specializing in --

*  Image reinventions for established celebrities. Transformative photoshoots.

*  Brand awareness / camera readiness guidance for breakout talents.

*  Visual strategies for Luxury / Premium / Aspirational brands.

*  Product placement.

*  Re-aligning timeless, classic brands with modern customer lifestyles.

*  Designing memorable looks for films, TV shows, music videos, live performances, red carpet events, commercial ads.

Contact  Dianne O.

ENTERTAINER CASE STUDY

BLANCA BLANCO “ACTRESS”
dianneo.com

Challenge: Create strong visuals to support Blanca's transition from model to actress. Emphasize her dramatic look potential.

There’s nothing like accessories that can a visual statement!
dianneo.com

DIANNE O.   ‖   CREATIVE  DIRECTOR

Dianne O. is a Creative Director specializing in --

*  Image reinventions for established celebrities. Transformative photoshoots.

*  Brand awareness / camera readiness guidance for breakout talents.

*  Visual strategies for Luxury / Premium / Aspirational brands.

*  Product placement.

*  Re-aligning timeless, classic brands with modern customer lifestyles.

*  Designing memorable looks for films, TV shows, music videos, live performances, red carpet events, commercial ads.

Contact  Dianne O.

INDRANI PAL-CHAUDHURI

STYLING A FILM DIRECTOR FOR HER AWARD CEREMONY! dianneo.com


EVENT CASE STUDY

WEDDING / PRIVATE AFFAIRS
dianneo.com

Challenge:  Design multiple glamorous looks on very short notice.

Challenge:  Choose bold (not safe) fashions to match the film's high-art style.

The night before the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival, I was asked to put a look together for the famous international photographer, Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri.

This was a very exciting event for me. Just two weeks before, I had blogged some amazing still images from Indrani’s new film “Legend of Lady White Snake” starring Daphne Guinness, the world-renowned fashion muse and model. When I read the Fashion Film Festival’s program, I was thrilled to learn that Indrani’s “Legend of Lady White Snake” was one of the films up for an award at the festival, which I was scheduled to attend as a VIP guest.

I decided that I had to meet Indrani. She and I met and talked, and she learned about my background. At 9 PM, I got a call from GK Reid, the top celebrity stylist who had designed some of the looks for “Legend of Lady White Snake”. GK asked me if I would dress Indrani for the film awards’ red carpet event the next day

.I was overjoyed to accept. It was such a compliment to meet someone of Indrani and GK’s caliber, whose work I so admired, and to have them admire my work in return.

Though Indrani had only asked for a single outfit, I pulled together several fashions and I also did her hair and makeup. I needed to match the bold and creative style of “Legend of Lady White Snake”. The film is highly artistic, and the lead character played by Daphne Guinness is styled in beautiful, fantasy-like couture fashions some of which were designed by Alexander McQueen.

Despite the very short turnaround time, the looks were a perfect fit. I dressed her for two separate nights.

The red-carpet gown which I selected for the first night, was a gorgeous peacock crystal sequined gown with a long train. It fit her perfectly.

The next day the organizers hosted a party where the awards were handed out. For that event, I dressed Indrani in a one-shoulder purple sequined cocktail dress. This was ideal for her --- it was fun and perfect for a celebration night. Lo and behold, Indrani won not just one, but four awards at the film festival!

EVENT CASE STUDY ::: WEDDING

PRIVATE RECEPTION dianneo.com




Challenge: Add a classic Hollywood touch to a contemporary wedding table setting.

This wedding event was for a young couple, who wanted a Hollywood-style theme.

Instead of a pure traditional look, I created a mix of traditional and contemporary. The floral design included casablancas, exotic leaves, white roses and kiwi-green chrysanthemums, set in chocolate-colored vases in a minimalist arrangement.

The table setting’s color theme was white, rose gold and chocolate, with a touch of grey.

I used real silverware to accompany the china dishes, which were set on a mix of gold and chocolate-colored chargers.

The candelabras were rose gold. White floating candles completed the Hollywood classic look.

This was an intimate wedding, with a guest list of up to 40 people, so I used a King’s Table setting, with the bride and groom seated together at one end. Chocolate-colored tablecloths were overlayed on top of a foundation of white tablecloths. I scattered white rose petals to give a romantic feel.

I was also in charge of the menu for the reception. I arranged for three different cakes, so all the guests could enjoy fun choices. I hired the caterers and the servers for the reception and the sit-down dinner. I also made arrangements for the photographers.

EVENT CASE STUDY

FUNDRAISER SOIREE / NON-PROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATION
dianneo.com


Challenge:Challenge: Find a venue suitable to showcasing large pieces of modern art, in a lifestyle setting

Challenge: Raise funds for an arts non-profit organization.

The chief executive of a non-profit art incubator, asked me to put together an event to showcase the work of an emerging artist, and to raise money for her non-profit. I decided to produce an art + fashion show: a tasteful, exquisite, refined event that would match the caliber of the guests on the invitation list.

I found the right venue: a penthouse condominium with a downtown city view, high ceilings, and lots of wall space to properly showcase the large art pieces. I directed the placement of the artwork, and I staged the condo furniture to convey a sense of lifestyle, instead of a spare gallery look. I also chose one of the best caterers in town to provide a fine dining experience that would encourage the guests (about 100) to stay and mingle. Refreshments included hors d’oeuvres, caviar, champagne, wine, etc. Prior to the event, I staged a food display and had it photographed to create the invitations.

I was able to get a donor for the wine and champagne. I also brought in very beautiful clothes to sell; a percentage of the sales was donated to the non-profit. The event was financially successful --- the artist sold several of his pieces, despite being new to the local art community.

EVENT CASE STUDY

OSCAR® THEME PARTY, PRIVATE BUSINESS CLUB / MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
dianneo.com

Challenge: Sell the Club on the idea of an Oscar® theme event, as a moneymaker and a membership booster.

The University Club Atop Symphony Towers (a private business club in downtown San Diego) had held numerous private events, but had never held an OSCAR® party. As an honorary member, I came up with the idea of holding an OSCAR®-themed party to introduce potential new members to the Club, and to raise money for the Club’s charity.

I brought in gorgeous designer gowns from Paris, Italy, and New York. I also put together a gown showing, featuring beautiful models, to create an atmosphere that gave the guests a feeling of being at the OSCARs®. The staging included large-screen TVs, an ice sculpture of the OSCAR® statuette, a red carpet at the elevator landing, a step-and-repeat, and mock-paparazzi who photographed the guests at arrival.

Behind The Scenes

DIANNE O.   ‖   CREATIVE  DIRECTOR

Dianne O. is a Creative Director specializing in --

*  Image reinventions for established celebrities. Transformative photoshoots.

*  Brand awareness / camera readiness guidance for breakout talents.

*  Visual strategies for Luxury / Premium / Aspirational brands.

*  Product placement.

*  Re-aligning timeless, classic brands with modern customer lifestyles.

*  Designing memorable looks for films, TV shows, music videos, live performances, red carpet events, commercial ads.

Contact  Dianne O.

SCRIPPS GALA

FASHION SHOW / BIG-BUDGET FUNDRAISER FOR MAJOR HOSPITAL NETWORK! dianneo.com


Challenge: Produce a fashion show on a scale unlike anything the sponsor had ever done before.

I was asked to produce a gala fashion show for Scripps Hospital, in order to help raise money for the hospital’s renovation and expansions. This was one of the biggest events I’ve ever done.

This event was targeted at wealthy philanthropists. It was a black tie affair which included dinner, dancing, an auction, various live performances, and Jermaine Jackson as a presenter.

I designed the look of the stage. I was able to source fashions and accessories from Parisian designers. A couple of designers donated accessories totaling $35,000 as gifts for VIP donors. Two of the designers flew in for the show; one of them designs jewelry for Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

The fashion show required casting at least 40 models for 3-4 changes. In addition to producing the fashion show itself, I had to help with the sound, the music choice, the staging design, and the lighting --- which was key, because of the sheer size of the venue. 

I was also very active in getting designers excited enough to come from Paris to support the event, and to donate not only their time but also their designs as VIP gifts.

In addition, I staged a private event at the La Costa Resort for wealthy donors, which took place a few days before the main gala event. During the week leading up to the event, I also produced a model showing on a live television show, to help promote the Scripps gala. All in all, it involved a 6-month production effort, which successfully generated over $2 million in fundraising from 2,000 attendees.