Who is a Goddess?
A woman who is in the process of learning to know, accept and love herself on all levels, Mind Body and Spirit. A woman who, because she focuses on personal growth and self awareness, experiences a life, increasingly filled with peace, love, joy, passion and fun. A woman that understands that she has unlimited capacity to make her life anything she wants. A woman who is inspired to give to those around her because of her sense of gratitude and abundance.
A goddess is a woman who emerges from deep within herself.
She is a woman who has honestly explored her darkness and learned to celebrate her light.
She is a woman who is able to fall in love with the magnificent possibilities within her.
She is a woman who knows of the magic and mysterious places inside her, the sacred places that can nurture her soul and make her whole. She is a woman who radiates light.
She is magnetic.
What you wear speaks to your individuality and values. Our mission at Fringe & Epaulette is to not only create awe-inspiring fashion, but to mix beautiful clothing with a message of empowerment. Over the next few years, our creative team will travel around the world shooting empowered women in an inspirational photography series on manifesting your divine feminine.
Our first goddesses were chosen from my group of diverse friends in New York City whose backgrounds included Jamaican, Rwandan, Armenian, Ukranian, Chinese, and American. We wanted to use normal women instead of hiring professional models to show that a goddess exists within all women. You don’t have to extremely gorgeous or have a perfect body to be a goddess. The way you carry yourself can say it all.
Originally when I came up with the shoot concept, I imagined a Central Park shooting amid blooming flowers- however the prolonged winter weather had delayed spring and the park was mostly barren. We were lucky to find 2 flower bushes in bloom! Thanks to all the models for being down to freeze in 40 degree weather to create some magic!
Each model wore a variation of tribal feather cuffs and an elegantly sexy goddess sequin fringe dress that was designed to move with the elements. Growing up I loved to read fashion magazines like Vogue and sigh over the beautiful imagery and outfits. However, while the goal behind the shoot was to create an ethereal fantasy atmosphere inspired by high fashion photography, we wanted to use designs that were accessible and functional to wear so everyone could recreate the beauty for themselves.
Seevon Chau of SeeSparx took the shooting to the next level with her otherwordly headpieces that made the models look as if they came from a mythical kingdom. SeeSparx designs are meant to encourage the free spirit that lives in all of us, and make your confidence and inner radiance shine. Seevon had previously worked with the Hidden Warriors Project, an organization that empowered women affected by cancer through costume therapy, creating an experiential and transformative adventure that reconnected them with their inner warrior strength.
I came up with the concept of creating goddess tarot cards from the imagery and our talented creative director Gilles Bonugli Kali brought this vision to life and digitally altered each photo to create beautiful painted images of each model as a mythical goddess.
Joey Kim as Kwan Yin (a.k.a as Kuan Yin or Guan Yin), the Celestial Bodhisattva of Compassion and Mercy in Buddhist tradition who hears the cries of all beings. A universal figure in Asia, her beauty, grace, and humility represent the ideal of womanhood.
MEANINGS: A surrender to higher principles, higher goals. Self-abnegation. The ability to take care of others in a compassionate, nurturing way. Sacrifice in order to make sacred, to gain enlightenment. Empathy.
Asase Ya– the African Ashanti earth goddess of fertility and upholder of truth who was also worshiped by slaves brought to the Caribbean from Africa.
MEANINGS: Being confident in expressing your truth without worrying for the future. It is your destiny to be safe and sound at this time in your life.
Myscha Kamikazi as Diana, Goddess of the Wild Woods. In ancient Rome, Diana was honored as the goddess of wild animals, hunting, and the moon. The changing moon reflects the cycles of nature; its light influences all growing things—plants, animals, and humans alike—for better and for worse. Diana reminds us of our connection to these cycles and that, like the moon itself, what is empty will, in time, become full if we are patient.
MEANINGS: The receptive, nurturing aspects of the Divine Feminine. Intense emotions. Vivid or lucid dreams. Intuition. An opportunity to work on your relationship with that which truly nurtures you. The support of caring women.
Adriana as Venus, the Roman goddess of love, fertility, and sexuality.
MEANINGS: A renewed awareness of the nature of passionate love–and what is needed to encourage it. Artistic creativity. Sexuality. The integration within oneself of the masculine and feminine, the god and the goddess. A new, important relationship. Self-esteem.
Yelena as Inanna- Star of Heaven and Earth– the name given to the exalted ancient Sumerian Goddess of Love, War, Sexuality and Fertility. Inanna represents the Independent and forthright woman who is strong and secure in her feminine sexuality and beauty, rebirthing in her constant cycle of growth, living in the light of her authenticity and embracing her shadows and darkness.
MEANINGS: Awareness of goals and dreams, and the self-respect and strength to follow them. Success, good fortune, creativity. Banish any feelings of insecurity and unworthiness from your thoughts. Follow your dreams without fear or censure—don’t be afraid to work to make them happen!
Mariya as Freya, goddess of love and war and mother of all gods in Norse mythology. She symbolically represents the perfection of female power
MEANINGS: Enjoy the excitement of taking risks, being bold, and being daring as you follow the direction of your true heart’s desire. Success comes not from timidity but from committing yourself fully to realizing your dream.
Yelena as Isis– the ancient Egyptian goddess of magic, fertility, death, healing and rebirth.
MEANINGS: A growing awareness of the magic within yourself. A yearning to grow beyond perceived limitations. The ability to transform your life through the strength of originality and personal power. Renewed creativity and vigor. A new awareness of your personal power as you become in touch with your higher purpose.
Empowered women empower other women. Each time you allow your inner goddess to radiate outwards, you’re the glow in the dark for someone else. Go forth and be awesome!
CREDITS:
- Music by Yaima. Click HERE to support more of their inspirational music by contributing to their Kickstarter!
- Photographer and Director: Gilles Bonugli Kali
- Makeup: Seevon
GODDESS COUTURE
- Kwan Yin Fringe Dress
- Asase Ya Fringe Dress
- Diana Fringe Dress
- Venus Goddess of Love Fringe Dress
- Inanna Fringe Dress
- Freya Fringe Dress
- Isis Fringe Dress
SEESPARX HEADDRESSES
- Legend of Lilith Unicorn Deer Antler Headdress
- Golden Grace Horns
- The Nu Spring Floral Crown
- Rubycon Glitter Horns
- Forest Faun Antler Horns
REFERENCES: Goddess tarot descriptions excerpted from The Goddess Oracle Deck by Amy Sophia Marashinsky and The Archangel Oracle
Interesting Post! thanks!
Great read. Thanks mate
Hi there! Such a wonderful article, thank you!