MOMMY ON MODEL DUTY
December 18, 2019
Two months ago on 10.18.19, I gathered 13 kids together ranging from 18 months to 13 years old (including my son Dylan Reid Igel) for a special shoot for the collaboration of the BOY MEETS GIRL® x CARE BEARS™ KIDS line FOR SAKS which dropped on 12.14.19 now available here.
I had spoken to frequent collaborator and dear friend photographer Sophie Elgort about this project prior to putting it all together and she was an advocate of this project (given a quick timeline). This gave me the confidence to move forward to put together the shoot in time for the holidays and pre-launch. I decided what better way to celebrate this collection then put together our friends and their children as well as some professional models too. ;) When I asked my friends and friends of Dylan, along with my niece and her friends - everyone said YES! I remember calling Sophie and saying, “Well, you wanted me to do this and guess what we have 13 MODELS!” At first, Sophie paused and then she said, ”We can do it.” And so we did - we planned a two-hour shoot with 13 models, and let’s just say it was one of the hardest in both of our careers. However, because of the incredible teams and parents, along with these kid models the end result was perfection. It is a shoot that I will cherish forever and never, ever forget. Thank you to all involved - there is no I in TEAM.
I thought you all would love to hear from some of the parents (or shall I say Mommies on Model Duty) and what it felt like to watch their kids on set. I also asked myself as well as Sophie whose daughter Stella was on the shoot with us and captured here.
“Working with you and your team has been a pleasure, and you are such an inspiration to all your young models, showing them that it is possible to be creative, socially aware, a force for good in the world, and successful, as well as a working mommy and wife. “ -Mommy on Model Duty→ Lisa Ballard mom of Izzie
What is your favorite memory from the photoshoot? My favorite memory from the shoot was definitely when he ran up to Stacy and gave her a big hug at the beginning!
What is your [and your child/children’s] favorite item from the collection? Harry loved the comfy sweats he was in, I love the tie-dye pattern and tutu in particular.
Are you excited for BOY MEETS GIRL® to launch at Saks & for the event with Care Bears™? *and that it is made out of 100% organic fleece & cotton! Yes, Saks is my favorite store in the world.
Any holiday music on your playlist right now? Definitely Mariah Carey and the Chipmunks!
-Mommy on Model Duty→ Sade Strehlke mom of Harrison
What was it like to watch your child’s involvement in this magical campaign? I have known Stacy for several years, our work paths have always merged. To me, Stacy is the perfect embodiment of a girl boss. When Eloise was hired to participate in Stacy's campaign shoot, I was thrilled that my 1-year-old daughter was given the opportunity to work for someone who hustles hard, and has an incredibly strong entrepreneurial spirit. Watching my daughter interact on a set produced by Stacy was so moving. It's important to continue to surround Eloise with hard-working women, and inspirational females like Stacy.
What is your favorite memory from the photoshoot? My favorite memory was watching all the children models come together and help each other on set. Some of the older girls would hold Eloise's hand and help her perform in front of the camera.
What is your [and your child/children’s] favorite item from the collection? Definitely all the tie-dye pieces and matching sets. Tie-Dye was always seen as a way to escape from strict social norms, and express freedom and individuality. I love that tie-dye is making a comeback in fashion, and I love that it's happening now!!
Are you excited for BOY MEETS GIRL® to launch at Saks & for the event with Care Bears™? *and that it is made out of 100% organic fleece & cotton!
I can’t help but recall some of the wonderful toys I had and loved as an 80s baby. Care Bears was certainly one of them. Seeing the Care Bears collection that Stacy produced was like riding a wave of nostalgia! I had that warm and cozy feeling of being a child again. And speaking of warm and cozy, the collection is made of organic fleece and cotton! SCORE!!
Any holiday music on your playlist right now? The classic Frank Sinatra rendition of "Let It, Snow!" Bc I love a fresh snowfall, and not just because it makes for a great photo opp! :)
-Mommy on Model Duty→ Erica Plotkin, mom of Eloise Ro
“It was fun, but also being honest, a little challenging to have Stella in this campaign while I was photographing! Luckily, she cooperated for the shots that counted 😊 I will always remember how much fun she had playing with the other kids inside in between shots and of course those white sneakers she was styled in.” -Mommy on Model Duty and Photographer on Duty→ Sophie Elgort, mom of Stella
“From the moment we stepped foot on set, we felt amazing energy and the incredible vibe from everyone right to our bones. All the models were thrilled to be there – their excitement was mesmerizing. The BOY MEETS GIRL® x CARE BEARS line is out of this world gorgeous and all the children were so very excited to try on their outfits.
The campaign truly speaks to our children’s carefree world – it brings fashion, cuteness, style, edge, confidence, and comfort all into a garment that captures our children’s sense of style. Care Bears are about love and forgiveness…I feel that now more than ever, we need to remind our children to love and not hate. They are our future and together, we can spread an amazing message to all the children in the world. I was honored that my daughter was asked to model and be part of this magical campaign.
It is an incredible feeling to be part of something so great and knows that everyone is around. “ -Mommy on Model Duty→ Barbara Ghattas, mom of Elyana
“This was my first shoot since Dylan came with me on this shoot in 2016 when he was 2. It is definitely a different story when your son is 5 and is on set with you with 12 other models. Let’s just say it was not easy but we found our groove and he decided to direct one group with me in the UNICORN group seen here and then give us smiles for the Care Bears group : ) ( I think a #momsgotthis moment was in full effect here lol) . I loved seeing all the models help one another and play together. I loved watching Sophie shoot with such a calmness in the midst of madness. I loved having my niece in this shoot with her model friends and watch them take care of the littles. And I am so beyond grateful for all the team members involved who trusted me in this campaign. The end result truly is magical.” -Mommy on Model Duty, Mommy directing and styling the photoshoot→ ME, mom of Dylan and Aunt to Sam.
Thank you to Sophie who believed in me and let me put this big cast together! We have shot together over a decade-plus and this is one for the books.
Thank you to the press who has given this launch such beautiful coverage!
View the look books here.
Shop the collection here.
See all the press here.
A Night of Wigs & Wishes
August 14, 2019
On Monday, I had the opportunity to emcee the Wigs & Wishes Event at the Gregory Hotel NYC. My good friend Claudine DeSola Krause founder of Caravan Stylist Studio and Janine Just of Janine Just Inc said "they knew I could be an MCEE. And Claudine kept saying to me this is practice for your future ...." I truly love the confidence my ladies give me every day and I was honored to be the MCEE. Martino Cartier’s organization, Wigs and Wishes donate 25,000 wigs to women and children each year. It was an honor to introduce such amazing women and men who are doing the work in the fight against cancer. From fertility to wigs to losing someone to the disease, each individual shared their part in being an advocate for helping others & encouraged attendees to become a part of the fight. Hearing everyone’s journey was the most magical part of the evening. Thank you to all!
I have been involved in giving back to cancer research since I started my brand. In 2008,
I became a Committee Member and Co-Chair of the In Living Pink Gala under the
Young Survival Coalition for Breast Cancer, and have continued working on events &
bringing awareness to an organization that helps bring young women together that are
struggling with the disease. Whether it is through clothing [including the the F*CK CANCER Tops] or
events, it is important for me to remain involved. This cause is important to me as I lost
my grandmother to breast cancer, as well as a friend - Kristin Martinez - who I met through the
Young Survival Coalition for Breast Cancer. After her passing, I knew I wanted to
continue my involvement in any way I could and have managed to continue to have
an impact along the way, and will continue to do so.
I became a Committee Member and Co-Chair of the In Living Pink Gala under the
Young Survival Coalition for Breast Cancer, and have continued working on events &
bringing awareness to an organization that helps bring young women together that are
struggling with the disease. Whether it is through clothing [including the the F*CK CANCER Tops] or
events, it is important for me to remain involved. This cause is important to me as I lost
my grandmother to breast cancer, as well as a friend - Kristin Martinez - who I met through the
Young Survival Coalition for Breast Cancer. After her passing, I knew I wanted to
continue my involvement in any way I could and have managed to continue to have
an impact along the way, and will continue to do so.
Riki Stevens & Lily Lane both performed at the event anthems of encouragement and strength.
Riki Stevens sang Martino’s favorite song “Somewhere Out There” from An American Tail.
Lily sang the song she wrote for an event I co-chaired in 2008, the In Living Pink Gala for
the Young Survival Coalition, “Battle Cry” - which is an anthem of hope for anyone going
through cancer. It is a song that gives me chills every time I hear it.
Riki Stevens sang Martino’s favorite song “Somewhere Out There” from An American Tail.
Lily sang the song she wrote for an event I co-chaired in 2008, the In Living Pink Gala for
the Young Survival Coalition, “Battle Cry” - which is an anthem of hope for anyone going
through cancer. It is a song that gives me chills every time I hear it.
Denise Albert, Pamela Pekerman, and Ariana Ost are a few of the amazing women that shared
their stories and connections to advocate for those with cancer.
Denise is a breast cancer survivor herself & a voice of hope and encouragement.
Pamela is a powerful voice that shared statistics and information to highlight just how important
it is to join the fight for cancer awareness. Ariana Ost started the event with healing prayer with
crystals that she creates to instill positive energy & healing for all aspects of life -
and she also shared her story of losing her mother to breast cancer. There were also other amazing
women who shared their involvement. Dr. Janelle Luk, who runs an initiative that offers free
IVF with anyone that has gone through Cancer. Kalyn Johnson Chandler,
who shared her own personal journey with two good friends of hers that had cancer.
Actress Emily Bergl, who shared her connection to cancer with honoring the memory of her mother,
as well as Romelda Teron Benjamin, who also shared the story of the loss of her mother to cancer.
their stories and connections to advocate for those with cancer.
Denise is a breast cancer survivor herself & a voice of hope and encouragement.
Pamela is a powerful voice that shared statistics and information to highlight just how important
it is to join the fight for cancer awareness. Ariana Ost started the event with healing prayer with
crystals that she creates to instill positive energy & healing for all aspects of life -
and she also shared her story of losing her mother to breast cancer. There were also other amazing
women who shared their involvement. Dr. Janelle Luk, who runs an initiative that offers free
IVF with anyone that has gone through Cancer. Kalyn Johnson Chandler,
who shared her own personal journey with two good friends of hers that had cancer.
Actress Emily Bergl, who shared her connection to cancer with honoring the memory of her mother,
as well as Romelda Teron Benjamin, who also shared the story of the loss of her mother to cancer.
We have multiple styles on the BOY MEETS GIRL® website now that give back to the
Young Survival Coalition for Breast Cancer. F*CK CANCER. Make a statement & give back.
Young Survival Coalition for Breast Cancer. F*CK CANCER. Make a statement & give back.
Let’s continue to make a difference together.
And shout out to Martino for your incredible energy and work to give back!
ALL PHOTOS C/O @brandinicolephoto
“Art, Activism, and Impact” Panel, JOIN ME!
June 12, 2019
BOY MEETS GIRL® has been a give-back brand since inception, and I love to find ways to continue to spread awareness and bring voices together to share topics to inspire change.
I have grown from a fear of public speaking to speaking in front of 1000+ people to speaking on panels - to now moderating my first one! The “Art, Activism, and Impact” Panel will take place from 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM on June 19th. I am so excited to bring people together that I have worked with in different ways to bring awareness to multiple causes - whether it is gun control, anti-bullying, breast cancer awareness, immigration rights, and more.
Check out a little more information about the panel I will be moderating below. Also, if you are interested in attending - I have a surprise for you at the end of this post! ;)
Panelists:
Denise Bidot, Activist, TV Personality & Founder of No Wrong Way
Denise was a guest on my podcast #MOMSGOTHIS (you can take a listen here). We actually met ages ago when she was on a panel and I fell in love with her. She has traveled the world as a Curve Model and has been recognized for her groundbreaking movements in the fashion industry. In 2014 Denise broke barriers by becoming the first plus-size model to walk multiple runways during NYFW. As a fellow mom, Denise wants to spread more awareness that "being you is what defines real beauty." During the summer of 2016, she launched a lifestyle movement called "The No Wrong Way Movement." Denise hopes this movement will inspire people from every walk of life to claim and own their unique individuality and beauty. I am excited for you all to hear what she is up to in using her voice for positive change. Read more about Denise & other panelists here.
Whitney Allgood, Chief Executive Officer, National School Climate Center
I have worked with the NSCC’s BullyBust Program since 2009, dating back to when I worked on a campaign with Sammi Hanratty [at the time she was the American Girl doll Chrissa Stands Strong & dealt with bullying on YouTube in 2009] on what it meant to be an “UPSTANDER” that combats against bullying & intolerance. Whitney recently came on board to the NSCC and it has been a pleasure working with her and excited to share a big campaign we are launching in the fall to continue BOY MEETS GIRL®’s give back to the National School Climate Center’s BullyBust program. Read more about Whitney & other panelists here.
Luis Hernandez, Executive Director, Youth Over Guns & Engagement Coordinator for Justice League NYC
I met Luis when we shot our campaign for Voto Latino + Youth Empower last year to encourage others to vote & stand up for equal rights (you can see here). Luis is an inspiring voice for the youth. At such a young age the work he is doing to help improve the criminal justice system is admirable. Read more about Luis & other panelists here.
Panel Description:
BOY MEETS GIRL® Founder and Creative Director, Stacy Igel is speaking on a very important topic that has been built into her brand since day one. She will be hosting a conversation about how brands can engage and tap into the power and influence of activists to help them amplify their message and tell their brand’s story in an authentic way. Hear how brands partner with artists and influencers to help spread their powerful messages and diversify their stories. Stacy will share how her company has partnered with young activists and iconic artists to help spread awareness and raise funds for causes important to BMG: Climate Change, LGBTQ, Bullying, Breast Cancer and more. Stacy will interview a panel of experts from the activist and corporate social responsibility sides to gain a better understanding of how to approach influencers, agree to terms and activate on a campaign both parties are proud of.
Event Location:
MCC Rooftop
197 E Broadway, NY NY
E. Broadway between Jefferson and Clinton Streets
Take the F Train to the East Broadway Station and walk one block
East. The MCC will be on your right opposite Seward Park
Event Timing: 9:00AM-7:00PM
Panel Timing: 3:45PM-4:45PM
For more details, visit their website: www.causemarketingnyc.com. This year’s event is on Wednesday, June 19 at the MCC Rooftop in the LES.
Use code BMG to get 25% off tickets today, get yours here.
past speaking engagements links
