Suitable Men

Produced by: P.Ramakrishnan
Photography: Olaf Mueller
Stylist: Mariane Chan
Makeup: Karen Yiu
Models: Adyr and Rupert from Models International Ltd
Location: The Luxe Manor


BEHIND THE SCENES:

Four days before we had to go to print with the first issue of the magazine, head office sends word that they didn't like the original cover picture 'cause there wasn't a man in it. It wasn't projecting a 'gentleman's issue'. Ugh x 10.

Two months had gone by into production of the first issue and did we get any notes prior to the call? Nein. Did they say it was a men's mag? Nein. Did they give us any notes or direction. Hell nein.

Holy fkballs - I was in such a panic that I zen'd out. Instead of going into the tizzy I'm prone to, I sat down and made calls. Lots and lots of calls. In this god-forsaken bizz, you gotta know people! As usual Olaf, Adyr, Karen came to my rescue.

Had worked with model Adyr V several times in the past, Olaf's done all my 'first' covers and Karen does makeup and hair for 98% of my shoots. Iris/Do Lau/Mo Chan from MI did some serious texting over the weekend to fix the other model (the very quiet Rupert - I'm guessing hangover! Ha! But he was great, despite not looking anything like his comp card!).

Thanks to everyone above, we got together Friday afternoon to discuss shoot, shot on a Monday and the images were sent to the printer by Tuesday. It was the fastest rollover for a cover... ever.

We dyed Adyr's hair with gray streaks, slapped a pair of glasses on him to make him look older. Rupert had long, twirly hair (his comp card didn't), so was about to lose my shizz (didn't have time for casting prior to shoot) but lovely Karen tied his hair tight and Olaf's team photoshopped out the long tresses/ponytail. Worked with Marianne Chan for the first time and really liked working with her; she knew her mens brands and she was hyper efficient. It all worked out fine in the end but it was a nail-biting ride to the finish.

All's well that... ends.