The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (season 2, episode 3) - Free Spirit Rene ! (Collaboration - Gabe Kikas)

Rene and the team had a wonderful week on Mackinac Island, but it was time to leave. After taking the incredibly early ferry from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace, we took a plane to Traverse City. There, we took a flight for Austin with a quick stop in Detroit. When we got to Austin, we took a cab to the Four Seasons Hotel. We rested. Shane and Kéla made sure they stocked for hairstyling and makeup. Tony, Rene, and I went over the next day’s photo shoot. It was called "Free Spirit Rene". They would start at the University of Texas for the day photoshoot and go to downtown Austin for some evening shots. Rene and I were excited about the photoshoot. She loved the Fedora hats from Lulus and the beautiful summer and boho dress from Lulus and O’Neill.

Look 01

After breakfast, we headed to the beautiful campus of the University of Texas. We were going to be “Longhorns” for the day. I rented a study room at the Student Center, so Shane and Kela can work their magic on Rene. While Rene drank her strawberry smoothie, Shane did her makeup and Kela worked on her hair. They both loved Fedora hats and the accompanying tops and jeans. We proceeded to the Blanton Museum of Art for the photoshoot. Tony had Rene pose in a black top, denim jacket, and leopard pants. Tony had her pose in front of the museum reading a brochure on the Museum’s Race and Social Justice in Art exhibit. Inside the museum, Rene posed in front of some of the essential items of the display. Tony got some great photos of her. It stretched to three hours because Rene asked the curator an endless amount of questions.

Look 02

After lunch, Rene was ready for the afternoon part of the photoshoot. She changed clothes and wor a beautiful blue crop top and jeans. Rene posed with the University of Texas Cheerleading Squad. They had a great deal of fun. She learned each of their names and what they intended to major in college. As Tony took his fantastic pictures, the young ladies taught Rene Texas Fight: “Texas Fight, Texas Fight “And it’s goodbye to A&M. “Texas Fight, Texas Fight," And we’ll put over one more win. “Texas Fight, Texas Fight, “For it’s Texas that we love best. “Hail, Hail, The gang’s all here, “And it’s good-bye to all the rest! (YELL) “Yea Orange! Yea White! “Yea Longhorns! Fight! Fight! Fight! “Texas Fight! Texas Fight, “Yea Texas Fight! “Texas Fight! Texas Fight, “Yea Texas Fight!”



Rene and our team drove into the city of Austin to get ready for the evening photo shoot. Our first stop was Franklin’s Barbeque for dinner. It was nice to take an hour dinner break and enjoy some Texan BBQ! We talked about beauty, fashion, and travel—lots of fun. Afterward, Shane, Kela, and Rene went to the back office to get ready. Tony and his assistants set up while I settled our dinner bill. About an hour later, Rene came out wearing an exquisite white top from the world of Lulus's fashion. It had trimmed lace. Also, she wore a summer hat, a striped skirt, and high heel shoes.

Look 3. 

Tony had Rene pose at the bar ordering a Maui Island Breeze Cocktail. Tony asked the bartender to pose with her. Rene picked up that he was a bit shy. Tony took some great pictures of Rene flirted with the bartender, trying extremely hard to remember how to make the drink. After Rene made him laugh, he loosened up and had a great time posing with this extraordinary model. After Tony finished, Rene gave the young man a hug thanking him for being such a great sport.

Look 04

Rene changed before leaving. She wore a beautiful boho floral dress from the fashion outlet O’Neill. As we drove to the Skylark Lounge, Shane took out his makeup kit and touched up Rene’s makeup. After taking an hour to set up, the last part of the evening photo shoot began. Some young ladies were looking on as Tony snapped away. Instinctively, Tony thought that they would look great with Rene. He invited them to join the photoshoot. The results were beautiful – the young ladies and Rene blended well. Rene was impressed by how well each of them adapted to the photoshoot. Afterward, Tony brought them drinks and thanked them for their efforts It was a long day. They were happy to return to the Four Seasons for an evening rest.

Hope u like it 

xoxoxo 

ME&Gabriel

The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (season 2, episode 2) - A Catherine Banning inspired photoshoot !

Rene Russo as Catherine Banning in the movie The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

This week I choose Catherine Banning as inspiration of Rene's photoshoot due to the fact the movie The Thomas Crown Affair will be 21 on Thursday, August 6. And I imagined a different Catherine Banning, wearing fine lingerie, a few jewels, some sexy and elegant clothing. 

Rene and our team left California for a while. Our next destination was to Mackinac Island, in Michigan and we went there by plane from LA International Airport. As we came to the destination, we took a cab to the Grand Hotel, it's a perfect setting for the Catherine Banning shoot.   

The time we arrived at the hotel and we ordered a room to stay for a few days, I explained the photoshoot to Rene, and I said it had a few elements of Catherine Banning that it will be used on the editorial (except for the nude part, lol).

Look 01

As we entered the room, Rene took off her clothes little by little, because she was training the dance she'll do later on the photoshoot, and it was for Vanity Fair. Ms Russo put on her panty, and I'll helped to put her corset and a few jewels. Later, Rene put on her blazer and pants from Villa Amour Vintage, and some ankle boots. 

At the same time Rene was doing her makeup and hair with Kéla and Shane, Tony and I helped with the instructions of the first set, on a beautiful bed.

Rene was ready, and Mr Duran started clicking, he was so impressed with her eye contact. Then, she lied on the bed, and showed some seduction, beyond her comfort.

Look 02

Before Rene moving to the second look, I helped taking off her corset. Corsets are hard specially to take off. While she puts a comfy look, I had a little surprise for her: a beautiful necklace with her name "Rene", made in 24 karat gold. Interesting, isn't it? Fortunately, she put this piece of jewelry on. 

Rene came near the window, and again, Tony clicked wonderfully her. In the middle of the shoot, Tony asked to take off her jacket and lower her pants a little bit, so she can look sexy. 

When we all finished the second set, the team waited the night to come, and so Rene had all the opportunity to praise her character Catherine Banning and how important she was to her...  

Look 03 

The night came and the best was yet to come. I arranged a pair of spotlights, one red and one blue. As I did that, Rene was ready to shine. She wore a beautiful lingerie and some pink shorts both from Lulus. Shane messed her hair a bit, for Rene's Catherine Banning to have a girly, but femme fatale side. 

The setting was on the sofa, and Rene hugged some pillows while Tony took some pics. She also did some great variety of poses, like stretching her legs.  

Look 04

After the girly set, Rene was so excited for the finale. Ms Russo and I were sitting in a corner, organizing her last wonderful and sexy look: a sexy French lingerie combo (bra, panty, stockings and garter belt), a chemise and a tricot from Villa Amour, and to end with golden key, a pair of Brian Atwood pumps. 

Before the show begins, Shane retouched a bit of lipstick and a few mascara. 

Again, Rene was 1000% ready for the shoot. She took a chair with her, and I put the music Money Can't Buy It, by Annie Lennox. Rene started dancing and Tony started shooting, telling her not to stop. 

She started taking off her tricot, and showed some femme fatale body and facial expressions, and she ended the photoshoot only in her lingerie and in her high heels, in great style <3 ! And we all loved it !

After the shoot ended, we celebrated it with a bottle of champagne. 

Hope u all like it. 

xoxoxo

ME

The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (season 2, episode 1, part 2) - Sexy Photoshoot in Mansion, part 2

Jesse, Rene and Taylor: The stars of the second part of the photoshoot.

After the end of the first part of the photoshoot, Rene and our team, Jake and Pierce had a rest outdoors, we drank fresh lemonade. Later, Jesse Lee Soffer and Taylor Kinney, both from Chicago franchise, came in, and I offered some lemonade too. And we had the opportunity to know both, it was wonderful <3 

Thereafter the rest, we began again with the photoshoot, and Tony explained the photo concept to the guys while Rene changed her clothes once again. 

Look 01

Rene was ready to seduce Jesse near the balcony. She was wearing a black blouse and a printed shorts, with a sexy bikini underneath, and a few jewelry. And Jesse was a bit more formal, with a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. Ms Russo hugged Mr Soffer and he felt so comfortable. Then he turned around, and Rene lifted a bit his shirt while she was hugging and kissing his neck.

Look 02 

Following the Rene's next change of clothes, Taylor took his time and took off his shirt, and entered the photoshoot with Jesse and Rene... With a printed bikini, Rene came into the middle of the guys, and portrayed a ménage a trois near the pool. In one moment of the photo session, Rene took off her bikini top and kissed both. When the ménage ended, Jesse's photo time ended too and he checked out his pics. Mr. Soffer's photos were great and it showed a range of expressions.

Look 03

At the same time Jesse left the photo session, Rene put on her next look, retouched her makeup and drank a bottle of water. A few minutes later, Rene and Taylor put on their sunglasses. She lied near Mr Kinney's body and also put her legs in the water. Afterwards, both took off their sunglasses and entered into the pool. Both didn't care if their clothes were all wet.

Look 04

And after they got out of the water, Rene changed again for the last time, and Kéla put on some waterproof makeup. Her choice look was a white tank top and ripped shorts. Ms Russo took Taylor to the pool shower, and turned it on. Rene. touched the lips and his abs, and so does Mr Kinney, ending with a hug and a kiss. 

Tony and our team were so happy with the results, and we wrapped it up with a iced tea. 

Hope u like it. 

xoxoxo

ME

The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (season 2, episode 1) - Sexy Photoshoot in Mansion, part 1

Pierce, Rene and Jake: the stars of the first part of the photoshoot. 

We’re back people! The second season of The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot is full of new stuff. Same team, new international destinations and new guests models for Rene to work with. Who’s excited?


Back to work. Rene and our team did our check-out from San Ysidro Ranch, and we went to our next destination: a beautiful mansion in Venice Beach. Tony Duran prepared a surprise in the way: Ms Russo would appear on both Maxim and Esquire magazines, with 4 male models. Two of them, Pierce Brosnan and Jake Gyllenhaal, will appear on this first part. The other two, Jesse Lee Soffer and Taylor Kinney, both from Chicago franchise, will appear on the second part of the post. 

The team came out to the mansion, and as always, I chose the clothing according to the male model’s profile and personality; Kéla and Shane worked in the makeup, and Tony explained the photoshoot concept. 

While she was dressing, Pierce was the first to come in. He came in with a bunch of flowers, and gave it to her. After that, Rene hugged him, and some minutes later, Pierce took off his shirt, getting ready for the Photoshoot. He lied on the floor, and Rene hides behind the corridor. 

Look 01 

As I said to Rene to come in, she came out in her wildest way, with a bodysuit, a pair of jeans and some jewelry. With her acting, she lied beneath Pierce and turned around. She stretched her legs while unbuttoning her jeans and him hugging Rene. And again, she turned back to Pierce, who took off her jeans, and touched her body. 

Look 02 

While Jake was on his way on the photoshoot, Rene was ready for her second look with Pierce: A leopard print bikini, some beautiful black pants and a peach blazer. And Pierce put on again his shirt, but open.

Ms Russo reincarnated Catherine Banning with this look. Some of her poses express her seductiveness, and in some of the pics, Rene was taking off Pierce’s shirt, and Pierce took off Rene’s blazer, in a sexy moment. They end up their photo time with a kiss. 

We paused a bit and I cooked some meat and pasta for the team, and after that we all took time to revise the pics. They were great. Just then, Jake came in, he rang the doorbell, and I attended him, ready for makeup and styling. 

At the same time, Rene took a glass of water, she changed the next outfit, and retouched the makeup. And we changed the setting into the staircase. 

Look 03. 

Rene came out to Jake and hugged each other. She was with a Gianfranco Ferré white shirt, some stockings and heels, and a leopard print lingerie. I chose this lingerie for Ms Russo because she looooves leopard print, and she looks gorgeous. And Jake was with a open shirt and some jeans (with his Calvin Klein underpants appearing). 

Both sat themselves under the stairs. They looked at each other. In some pics, they were serious, other they were happy, and other were seductive. 

In the last shoots, Rene unbuttoned her shirt and looked to Jake in a powerful way. 

Look 04 

And last but not least, we came into the bedroom. At the moment Rene changed her clothes, Jake took of his shirt. Tony captured the seductive moment of both. In one moment Rene took off her halter top and messed up her hair, showing her sensuality.

To be continued... 

Hope u like it.

Xoxoxo 

ME 

The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (Episode 12) (Collaboration: Gabe Kikas)

Tony and I find Rene and her friends -- Grey, Rachael and Vanessa -- eating an early morning breakfast by the swimming pool at the San Ysidro Ranch. Tony and I are exhausted. We were up late last night, going over last-minute details for the upcoming photoshoots. All we could think of were coffee, coffee and more coffee. 

Rene and her friends are bubbling with excitemnet about the forthcoming day. The girls decide to stick around for the photoshoot. Tony and I try to wake up, while Rene and her three friends talk a mile a minute about this and that. "Where do they get their energy", I wonder. After ordering some breakfast, we spoke with Rene about the upcoming photoshoot. Rene, while finishing her cereal and orange juice, listened attentively to Tony's notes. After making changes, Rene and Tony reach common ground.

Look 01 of the photoshoot.

Tony starts setting up in the pool area for the morning photoshoot. Rene's friends and I finish breakfast, while Kéla and Shane help Rene with the makeup. For this photo set, Ms Russo wears this delightful sheer polka dot top with jeans from Venus. Underneath her top Rene wear this enchanting white lingerie (bra+panty) from Victoria's Secret. Kéla and Shane were delighted with the result. They give her a gentle hug for a great photoshoot. 

Rene arrives by the pool and takes off her top, and Mr Duran instructs her as to where to stand. The photoshoot is going well, until the moment when he snaps away and notices that Rene is acting silly. Her friends encourage Rene in her antics. Kéla, Shane and I start laughing at Rene's innocent tomfoolery. 

Tony invites Grey and Rachael to join Rene in the photoshoot. They put on Glory Box by Portishead, and serendipitously Tony gets some of his best photos from that morning. They all looked lovely. 

Look 02-A of the photoshoot.

The photoshoot then movies to the bar area. Rene, who is wearing this exquisite summer dress from Boston Proper, sits at the bar, up to the time a young man sits next to her. They smile at each other. After a drink or two, they wink at one another. Ms Russo is supposed to show her lingerie to the guest. Somehow, they allow their sense of humor to get the better of them.

In bold (but not in a serious way), the guy leans towards Rene and says, "Hi, there!". Rene, smiling, returns the salutations. 

Look 02-B of the photoshoot

Then out of nowhere, after Rene changes her clothes, the young man lampoons: "I drive a Porsche." Rene bursts out laughing. It takes several minutes for the both get back on track. But somehow the antics work. Again, Tony keeps snapping away with some fantastic results. After about an hours of work, Rene, Kéla, Shane and the young man have a group hug. Tony tells they did an excellent job, and they take a break for lunch.

Look 03 of the photoshoot

Afterward, Tony got some beautiful photos of Rene posing in bed. In the morning, both hash out this part of the photoshoot. Instead of being vulgar, both want the photoshoot to be chic and elegant. The photography is fine and exquisite rather of being coarse. Tony knows he's working with an artist, and the results of the day speak for itself. It was a long day, but they perked up after enjoying a leisurely meal in the dining area.

Hope u liked the episodes of Season 01 of "Rene's Purr-fect Photoshoot". Gabe and I will take a 2-week break, and we'll come back with a new season on Monday, August 3. 

Love u .

xoxoxo

ME & Gabe. 

The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (Episode 11) (Collaboration: Gabe Kikas)

Rene, Grey, Rachael and Vanessa.

The morning photoshoot was a success. Rene, Tony, and their friends celebrated the occasion with a leisurely lunch. Kela, Shane and I enjoyed listening to the many stories about fashion and travel. Now it was time to go back to work. The afternoon was all lingerie. As Kéla and Shane worked on Rene and her friends, Tony discussed how the afternoon would play out. I worked with these four exquisite ladies in choosing the lingerie. 

Grey and Rachael chose lingerie from the fashion outlet Between the Sheets lingerie, Rene and Vanessa chose from Fruit de La Passion. They all looked lovely. 

Look 01 - Grey, Rachael (top), Rene and Vanessa (bottom)

Tony worked on Grey and Rachael first. He got them laughing as he snapped away. He had the two of them pose by the window staring out at the great outdoors. They looked so pretty and dreamy. After about an hour of work, Grey, Kela, Rachael and Shane share a group hug. Tony told them they did an excellent job, and he looked forward to the evening. He got some enchanting photos of Rene posing in bed. Her plethora of poses was exquisite and serendipitous all at the same time. 

Vanessa took her cue from Tony. He explained to her she is on a rendezvous waiting for her beloved to arrive, and captured her many moods of expectation. 

It was a long day, but they perked up after enjoying fruit smoothies and potato skins in the dining area. Shane shared many tales. 

Look 02 - Rachael, Grey, Rene and Vanessa. 

The evening photshoot took place at the pool at San Ysidro Ranch. Kéla and Shane worked on their hairstyle and makeup. For this part of the shoot, I worked with them to find the perfect evening wear. We turned to Aleya's Collections and Venus. From AC, Rachael wore this deep v-neck dress, and Grey wore this long black gown. And from Venus, Rene wore the black and white dress, while Vanessa wore this enchanting purple gown.

Tony asked Rene and her friends to envision that they were a class reunion. For years, they have not seen each other. The music is excellent, the food is delicious, the wine is plenty. What is most important is friendship and love. Tony captures their many moods. A grand success. 

They end the evening with a beautiful dinner of grilled swordfish. As I look around, I though of this Marcel Proust quote: "Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

hope u like it 

xoxoxo

ME & Gabriel

The Purr-Fect Rene Russo Photoshoot (Episode 10) (Collaboration: Gabe Kikas)

Hello, everybody! Among all the episodes of "Rene Russo's Perfect Photoshoot", this and the next one are the special ones, due to the fact of having special guests. Not one, nor two, but 3 special guests! These guests are all beautiful ladies I loooove! 

These guests are Grey Delisle (from Fort Ord, California), Rachael MacFarlane (from Kent, Connecticut) and Vanessa Marshall (from New York City). 

Rene and her friends are part of a photoshoot San Ysidro Ranch, in Santa Barbara, California. The San Ysidro Ranch, which became a hotel back in the late nineteenth century, was a favorite holiday spot for those like Winton Churchill, Audrey Hepburn and Somerset Maugham. According to the San Ysidro Ranch website: "Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married at the ranch, John and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned in the cottage now known as "Kennedy Cottage", and John Huston completed the script for African Queen during a three month stay".

The girls and I choose some great exquisite pieces for the photoshoot. As Rene and her friends enjoy some coffee and juice, they sit down with Tony to talk about the photoshoot. The first one focuses on day wear. Rene and her fellow models suggest to Tony the hotel's swimming pool and standard rooms as great places for the photoshoot.

Looks for Rene, Grey (top), Rachael and Vanessa (bottom)

Rene and her friends talk about many things. Grey and Vanessa love Kela's many stories of gossip and fashion. This is Shane's first time working with Rachael. He is painfully shy of her. She notices and begins to tease him trying to get him to get over his shyness. He begins to loosen up and starts to share with her the latest stuff in his own life.

Mr Duran arranges for "the California girls" Rene and Grey pose in the lobby. While Ms Russo wears with exquisite top and blazer, Ms Delisle wears this enchanting yellow top and denim shorts. The photographer arranges a bellboy to help Rene and Grey take their luggage to their room. The bellboy, who is painfully shy of their beauty is very business-like. He shows them aroung the room and explains the hotel's many amenities. 

Tony gets some great pictures of Rene and Grey smiling at his shyness. They start asking him questions about himself. They learn that he's a fine arts students at the University of California, in Los Angeles. They are impressed with his knowledge of fashion and fashion photography. Rene is so thrilled that he loves Francesco Scavullo photography. Mr Duran gets them in a group hug, and is happy with the photoshoot. The bellboy was excited that he was able to make friends with these two exquisite beauties.

Rene <3

Tony has Rachael and Vanessa by the pool area. While Rachael wears this beautiful tweed crop top, Vanessa wears this captivating blouse and denim shorts. The photographer snaps away as the two of the them look over themsleves and posing by the pool. Tony talks to them - asking them to remember the first time they fell in love with someone. 

Tony and our entire team are happy with the results thus far. What will be the the evening wear photoshoot be like? I wonder: sexy and elegant.

to be continued...

hope u like it.

xoxoxo

ME & Gabriel