The Photo that Launched the Vogue/QVC Adventure

I’m an avid Vogue reader, having subscribed to the magazine since I was a teenager. One of my first interviews after college was for a job as an assistant to the assistant to the assistant editor (I didn’t get it) but I did freelance at Conde Nast for at least a decade.  Although not for Vogue. Vogue remains elusive, rarefied, the brass ring in the carousel of careers for this writer. So I was curious when, on December 29, 2010, I received an email invitation to “be featured in a Vogue ad.” I clicked the link for more information and learned that Vogue was partnering with QVC and choosing a makeover candidate to be featured in an ad in the April issue of the magazine. Those who were interested were asked to submit a photo. Frankly, I’m camera shy. Painfully camera shy. Pull out a camera and I run for the hills.  My friends and family know it, tease me for it, but respect it. Had it not been for this blog, I’d never have clicked on the link. While I shy away from the camera, I’m not one to shy away from the opportunity to tell my readers a good story.  And, let’s face another fact. I’ve spent my entire career promoting or reporting on the fashion and beauty industries but, despite what I know about my face and how to play up its assets and downplay its flaws, who couldn’t benefit from a makeover?  I was game. I chose a picture that I thought showed “potential” for a successful makeover, wrote a blurb about why I should be chosen and clicked “submit.”  I told no one.

Cut to several weeks later. The phone rings and Joanne Lockard, QVC marketing, and her assistant Emily Delvecchio tell me I’d been chosen by Vogue and QVC to appear in their ad. My mind goes blank. I had completely forgotten about the photo and try to make sense of what I am hearing. QVC is launching an eagerly awaited ready to wear line by Dennis Basso, furrier extraordinaire and one of the home shopping giant’s most popular designers. His line of faux fur outerwear adorns and warms I don’t know how many thousands of women every winter – and I – and the three other women who’d been chosen would be wearing one of his new designs in the ad. Josie Maran, who has a signature line of eco- and skin-friendly cosmetics would do the makeup for the shoot and Shoshanna Gruss, who has a line of ready to wear clothing as well as a line of jewelry that’s sold on QVC was outfitting the models with jewelry.  Lisa Robertson, beloved QVC host would be joining us for the days of the makeover and shoot. In addition, we would appear on a live QVC show to discuss our experiences. Wow. I agree to participate.

In the following days, I receive email updates from Joanne and learn the names of the other women who were chosen for this adventure. They are Christine, Mary Martha and Rocio. Hmm. I try to imagine what they look like, who they are – but later learn that my mental pictures were all wrong.

First order of business. We are to appear at Tiger J Studio in NYC without makeup and in casual clothing. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding went the alarm in my head. NO Makeup! Are they kidding? I haven’t been seen without makeup in … well, in forever. I won’t leave my house without makeup.  I don’t even look in the mirror without wearing makeup.  I wear makeup to the gym. I do. I slick on a coat of mascara, a gloss of lip color – and I fill in my excruciatingly thin eyebrows.

I remove my makeup, gird my loins and prepare for the journey to begin.

Click here for more on my continuing adventure – Next up:  Makeover Day, Lunch at Vogue – and I Get to Meet Dennis Basso

And don’t forget to read Part 3 – the day of the shoot.

Me, Dennis Basso, the beautiful Mary Martha

21 Comments on QVC Partners with Vogue to Launch Dennis Basso’s Ready to Wear Line – and I’m in the Ad!

  3. Wow! What an experience. The kind of thing that happens to those who are everbeautiful. Looking forward to next installment. BTW, Love Dennis Basso!

  6. Melody, you are one of those people who never needs makeup, but using it does make you even more beautiful. I am so glad to call you my friend.

  8. Dear Melody,

    I had a wonderful time creating your look for the Vogue/QVC make over. The four women chosen including you were all amazingly beautiful inside and out. All of you had dynamic personas it was my pleasure to be the stylist on the shoot and to have meet you. Wishing you a wonderful week! Your blog is sweet as well!!

    All the very best,

    Anthony Tamburrino

    Relax allow us to Style for you! Tamburrino Group

    http://www.tamburrinogroup.com
    http://www.theluxuryguidenetwork.com/Luxury_Living_Fashion_Interior_Designer_Staging_Advertorial.html
    http://www.florida-decor.com/June08homes.htm

  9. The pleasure of working with you – and getting to know you – was all mine. Thank you, Anthony, for making me look so beautiful for the shoot. Your work is amazing. I miss you and hope to see you soon.

  10. Thanks Penny. It was exciting and fun, and – only because I’m camera shy – a bit intimidating. But I met so many amazing people and had such a good time, I wish I could do it every day.

  11. Gail – you have seen me at my absolute worst! But you’re sweet and would never admit that. (Can’t wait for you to see my hair. In a few days … at the gym.)

  12. And my day just keeps getting better and better! AJ! I am so thrilled to have won one of your beautiful paintings! You know I’m a diehard fan and love seeing my “En Vogue” every single day. Wow! I can’t believe this. Glad you like reading about my QVC/Vogue adventure … It was quite something. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3. I’ll be uploading them in a couple of days.

  13. Your blog was too short. I’m turning the page, so to speak, and am upset that I have to wait another day to hear the rest of your story. Why in the world would you be camera shy? You looked beautiful before and after…. and I love the ruffled top – just gorgeous! I will definitely check back for the continuing makeover story. I so love how much style and personality comes thru in your writing.

  15. Melody,

    THis is an experience everyone would love because I do believe beauty is internal first.As you said you, and the other women are both brilliant and beautiful, which is why a new look is fun and creates the journey you experienced. I never understood your camera shyness as you always have an effervescent smile in all photos.

    So, sounds like you had the ultimate experience, getting over some shyness, meeting extraordinary women and Dennis, and realizing that being Everbeautiful is a combination of women who celebrate their strengths and always have a little makeover room.

    I’m so Excited for you as a great way to start 2011, and to continue to inspire other!
    This is a great expereience that we can all relate to and would all love, so for now you are the pioneer spokeswoman.

  17. Melody,

    This is so amazing, and I’m sure a wonderful experience!!
    I can’t wait to read all of the juicy details!!!

    xo
    Tymbre

  18. Tymbre – it was amazing. I miss the people, the pampering. I even miss the video cameras. It was insane – but so much fun! I’ll post the final installment on Friday! Then on to Fashion Week!

  19. This is all just too exciting. You are beautiful. I feel like I am living the exciting life through you. Got to go shovel, see my life is beautiful and exciting too.

    xo F

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