The Eye Travels | Samantha Angelo: July 2014

Friday, July 25, 2014

Life Aquatic


St. John decided to smile for us with this gorgeous rainbow just like on our wedding day at Hawksview Estate, which can be seen in this photo half way to the top of the hill.

The first time I floated out in these crystal clear waters and gazed back at the rolling green hills was the instant St. John grasped me in its wondrous palm; the moment the spirit of St. John and my soul intertwined and I became enamored with its pristine charm and natural beauty. During my inaugural visit to the island in 2010 I stayed with Trinidad Charlie in one of his eco-cottages in the middle of the tropical forest. It was the perfect way to be introduced to St. John, sleeping in a simple screened in room with an outdoor rain water shower and compost toilet. Not to mention I had the pleasure of hearing many of Trinidad Charlie's stories from the island and beyond and watched him make and bottle his infamous hot sauce.

Since that time I have experienced the most unforgettable and joyous moments of my life in this unearthly sanctuary. It spoke to my infatuation with non-verbal communication and relationships that go beyond humankind, a desire to connect on an ethereal plane. Love in every sense of the word.

The more interaction one has with pure, uncorrupted nature the more open the heart becomes, stripped of all distraction the mind is able to wander and discover, the senses heightened. A time to explore the courage it takes to be alone with your own thoughts, to bare yourself emotionally and physically through the influence of this magical environment.

The eye catching shades of electric neon and iridescence of the under world captured my imagination and childlike curiosity. I can't imagine anything more profoundly stylish than the fascinating colors, designs, patterns, shapes, textures and movements under the sea. It reminds us that there is always more than meets the eye, you have to be willing to search for it.

My inspiration for this shoot comes from the desire to be a part of St. John's spirit, being draped in greenery and flowers to somehow capture its primal essence and the exhilarating feeling of wanting so desperately to be a part of another world that lures and seduces below the surface, the longing for life aquatic.

Photos / Steve & Janet Simonsen

Further editing / Samantha Angelo

Flower bikini / Jessica Aubain - RosesToo
Metallic Bronze Swimsuit / Gucci
Google / Speedo
Sequin Dress / Parker

Location / Trunk Bay, St. John USVI

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Hamptons Photo Essay: Part III

Look 1

Top / Victoria's Secret Swimwear

Bottom / Norma Kamali Swimwear

Eyewear / Miu Miu

Look 2

White Body Suit / Maison Martin Margiela

Jacket / DVF Sample

Shorts / Jil Sander

Loafers / Prada

Photos by: Peter Ostrega
Editing by: Samantha Angelo

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Hamptons Photo Essay: Part II

Look 1

White Body Suit / Maison Martin Margiela

Lace House Coat / Vintage (Current Boutique)

Heels / Charlene De Luca

Earrings / Screaming Mimi's

Look 2

While in the fabric store I was inspired by this gorgeous floral silk, immediately a vision popped into my head and I designed this playful two-piece jump suit and had a local tailor bring the design to life :-)

Necklace / Sydney Evan

Heels / Nine West

Photos by: Peter Ostrega
Edited by: Samantha Angelo

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Hamptons Photo Essay: Part I

This first photo essay of the summer depicts the lifestyle of a young woman who resides in trend setting, fashion centric Soho, with it's visually cutting-edge energy. She compliments that with a laid back, causally timeless and classic summer in The Hamptons. A young lady inspired by the elegance and kind, humble attitude of Grace Kelly and the colors, textures, shapes and tastes found in nature. She dresses for the fun, beauty and creativity of it by channeling a time and place. Like any first timer, she comes with some preconceived notions and her very own fresh ideas of what she wishes it to be. To influence and be influenced by its natural beauty is her true escape.

She observes: As cliche as it may sound, within moments of arriving it's easy to see why so many people have an affinity for this serene oasis. Summer in The Hamptons is a special time when Manhattanites trade pavement and skyscrapers for backyards and pools. Although the beach is absolutely gorgeous, The Hamptons are all about lush greenery, space and privacy, a time to recharge from the bustling New York asphalt. Taking a break from walking as you cruise through the open roads, wind in your hair and music playing while inhaling the fresh country air. You begin to realize how much of a luxury it truly is to be apart of this landscape.