CARAVAN NYC

Claudine DeSola and Janine Just are never short of a vision. For this duo, like many, the pandemic proved a bit more than a challenge. With an NYC based Content Studio, their in-person branded experiences and photoshoot programming came to a halt. What was about to be their best year yet, suddenly took a tumble. It was time to pivot and pivot quickly. What blossomed from a lot of trial and error of ideation during Quarantine soon developed into the Caravan Social Club.

So, what kind of Club are we expecting from these Production and PR professionals? They turned their unique in-person content opportunities into virtual programming. From branded launch events, photoshoots, influencer, and talent placement, to producing a nouveau form of shareable media on Zoom, all their work has transitioned virtually. Even an IGTV series was created for further visibility with their brand partners, and allow viewers to engage directly with the founders, influencers, and talent added to their weekly conversations. 

“Our virtual photoshoots, while not the perfect fix for in-person shoots, have proven to not only be an uplifting experience but giving the opportunity for many to continue to create and have a platform to share their story and what they’re working on. All while connecting to a community of members who are resourceful and looking to collaborate and work together,” exclaims Just. “What we found through all of this, the silver lining, is we’re able to span across the country and work with so many creatives and content creators in literally hours. We photographed 63 Content Creators in 2 days, virtual road-trippin’ to all 50 States. We simply could not manage that for an in-person experience. It’s allowing us to further our reach than just the NY area and extend from our studio bubble. The virtual photoshoots aren’t crisp like those in-studio with proper lighting, hair, makeup, and wardrobe, but there is something genuine about capturing these designers in their own space remotely it is a way to remember the times in a positive way where people were still able to come together and share their work and be able to inspire others” DeSola chimes in. 

Taken from their Curated Gallery Series, “Meet the Designers,” we’re profiling some of the designers from their recent virtual photoshoot. We meet Rami Kashou, who has dressed many celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, and Heidi Klum, and is currently working on the “ADR” project; a line of limited edition "collectable" ornamented genderless masks as a nod to my roots and heritage. Lizzy Lahive, behind the label LAHIVE, is based in LA, where her collection is both designed and made — mostly from deadstock and remaining fabric from major houses that would otherwise end up in landfills. Caravan Social Club also teamed up with LAHIVE on a multi-functional mask that can be worn over a dozen other ways from bandana, bag, to top, and called well the “Caravan.” A percentage of sales go to The Orchid Foundation. 

Norma Baker who’s based on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation is the designer behind Red Berry Woman. The inspiration for Baker’s work comes from her Native American culture. Amaka Ikpeazu, behind the brand, Prays, and Plans, spans all the way to London and makes some of the most luxurious loungewear with sustainable fabrics. Bree Billiter who is a recent graduate of Massachusetts College of art and design and designs her collection right out of her apartment in Brooklyn, NY. We round out the series highlights with the Models of Native Ruckas, the modeling trio of 3 sisters, Cinrique (Cin) Bracklin, Cadence Bracklin, and ShawneeJo Rox. NY based photographer Isabella Picicci captured these images for the “Meet the Designers” series. 

Want to become a member of the Caravan Social Club? Head on over to their website to sign-up: www.caravanstyliststudio.com or shoot them a DM on @caravannyc for more info. The hope of this duo is that brands will want to embark on helping tell more’ stories through their virtual programming marketing themselves more genuinely while supporting fellow creatives.

Article by Joseph Ralph Fraia @jrfstudio – www.jrfstudio.com