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FEATURE: Tammy Tran’s campaign for Miss California 2011

Helium Magazine — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:53:13 +0000

For nearly two year’s, San Jose Model Tammy Tran has been Helium Magazine’s original balloon girl. Floating at the top of this website and all of our marketing material, her glistening stare of hope has been seen by hundreds of thousands of fashionistas throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. But destined to prove that there’s more confidence behind those eyes, Tran ran for the Miss California USA 2011 contest last year in hopes of expanding her iconic image and influence on her community.

Helium Magazine: What inspired you to run for Miss California USA, and how did being Helium Magazine’s balloon girl influence your campaign?

Tammy Tran: I was driven to enter the pageant with a strong desire to make a difference and a major statement. Many people would look at me and not once would I ever be assumed to be a potential representative of California. I wanted to prove not only to myself but to those in doubt that everyone has the ability to make their mark in the world. Having such an amazing background and large image to support me, I felt more confident than ever that I could be an icon for not only my local community but to the greater society. It is such an honor to hold such an image as the Helium Balloon Girl. I was constantly recognized as a central image to a magazine and it only further encouraged me to reach above and beyond that.

HM: What were some of the toughest things you encountered in your campaign?

TT: As much as I believed in myself, the most difficult task was to convince others to believe in me too. I was competing against approximately 200 other beautiful young women and the support of the community was crucial to our campaign. Putting together fundraisers and asking for sponsors was a challenge task that put through sleepless nights and constant planning.

HM: Let’s be real here girl; how many cat fights were there?

TT: No cat fights… The atmosphere was surprisingly very genuinely sweet and welcoming. I had a wonderful time making friends and receiving tips from my roommates without a problem. The most beautiful moment I recall was when an evening gown was misplaced through the hotel staff and could not be located for the preliminaries. The distressed contestant cried for hours as the entire floor tried to locate the dress and when we had no such luck, another contestant received word of the unfortunate situation and lent her the back up dress she had brought with her. Luck was on her side and it fit her perfectly! What should have been a competition was very much about cooperation and to see a stranger help another with such kindness made me stop and re evaluate the world of pageantry.

HM: How do you think the pageant helps local communities?
TT: I truly believe that the pageant is beneficial to the community because service to the community could not be emphasized more strongly. While I was attempting to raise funds to compete, I also donated 60% of my total profits to multiple non profit organizations. It teaches young women to be active members of the society, therefore benefiting hundreds of local communities by inspiring each individual.

HM: Are you going to be next year’s winner?

TT: I would honestly consider running again once I feel more prepared. I learned so much about dedication and developed an amazing sense of responsibility. Becoming an active member of the society has become something I have dedicated myself to and its been such an amazing journey to do service for the community. There are true values that lie beneath the glamour of pageantry and it is certainly up to the individual to hold into that. Though I was not a winner, I walked away with much more than a crown.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography by Matthew Mountford
Interview by Tyler Do
Styling by Renata Gar
Hair Styling by Nathan and Jade from Umbrella Salon
Makeup by Marina Petrenko
Shoot Direction by Khiem Hoang

PROFILE: Studs & Roses by Renata Gar

Helium Magazine — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:30:16 +0000

Early in 2009, Helium Magazine found Renata Gar at San Jose State University’s “Trashion Fashion Show.” Although she was wearing a dress constructed out of Peete’s Coffee cup holders, her strong jaw line and dangerously high cheek bones more than exhumed her surroundings.

Nearly two years later, her signature walk has stomped runways across the Bay Area to pieces (including Helium’s Atomic Fashion Show, Stanford’s Charity Fashion Show, and the Goodwill’s Generations of Change Fashion Show). And more than that; Gar has been a leading force behind Helium Magazine’s business strategies and a key stylist for some of Helium’s biggest events and fashion shoots.

In this photo editorial, we gave Gar full control to express her saucy side. Studs and roses ensued.

GAR SPECS

Birthdate: November 5th (Scorpio)
Height: 5′8″
Ethnic Origin: Russian
Hometown: Khabarovsk, Russia

GAR STYLE

I’d call my style eclectic. I like toying with different styles and mash them into my own. I have days where I wear black on black & days when my look bursts with color. All have one thing in common though, they’re bold.

Studs and Roses wardrobe is a reflection of me. The inspiration came from roses which I hung up to wither. Delicacy and femininity of the buds along with grotesque quality of shriveled petals are held up by a thorny stalk. The thorns are tough – mirror image of studs, for the flowers represent strength, courage and determination for me and translated very well into wardrobe ensemble.

GAR MOTTO

Don’t do harm upon others to get ahead; Strive forward in a creative & peaceful manner.

FAVORITE GAR STYLING EXPERIENCE

I think my favorite styling experience was doing the Generations of Change fashion show because I got to work with beautiful vintage clothes dating from 1800’s to 1960’s. The clothes were an inspiration themselves. Intricacy of the designs and embroidery was beyond anything I have ever seen.

Other than that, I very much enjoy helping my friends style their outfits. It makes me happy to see them comfortable and confident in their clothes.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Story & Photography by Matthew Mountford
Interview by Tyler Do
Styling by Renata Gar
Hair Styling by Nathan Nguyen and Jade Deveruturada from Umbrella Salon
Makeup by Marina Petrenko
Shoot Direction by Khiem Hoang

Profile: Aubrey Rinehart wearing San Francisco Shirt Company

Helium Magazine — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:17:13 +0000

Aubrey Rinehart is one girl who “gets around” in the best way possible. In just the past year, her classy lithe frame has graced the runways of West Valley’s Revival Fashion Show, Santana Row’s Summer Poolside Soiree, Helium’s Blue Launch Event, San Francisco Chic Fashion Week, and last month’s SNOW 2 with the San Francisco Bay Area Fashion Network featuring some of the Bay Area’s top couture designers. She’s also muse to famed choreographer Charleston Pierce who instilled in her the walk of a goddess.

Helium Magazine recently sat down with Ms. Rinehart to talk about her experiences modeling and her favorite looks from the San Francisco Shirt Company.

Age: 25
Birthdate: February 7 (Aquarius)
Height: 5′11″
Ethnic Origin: Chinese/European
Hometown: San Jose, CA

Helium Magazine: Do you have a philosophy in life? What drives you to do modeling?

Aubrey Rinehart: I believe you need to live in the moment because life is a journey and not a destination. I think that’s what fashion is all about; looking and feeling exquisite today. When I realized that was my meaning of life, I understood that I had to be strong and go after what I wanted. I had to dare to stand out and be bold.

HM: How has working with Charleston Pierce influenced you?

AR: If there’s one man who knows how to stand out, it’s him. I really gained a lot from his walking classes and it was great working with him for San Francisco Chic Fashion Week which won Best Fashion Show of the year at the Bay Area Fashion Awards.

HM: How would you define your style in life?

AR: It really depends on my mood that day; something that blends with my personality and makes me stand out. There’s always something to be said for sophistication. I think being half Chinese and half European is really the inspiration behind that.

HM: What are you favorite looks and things to wear?

AR: I’ve had the luxury of wearing some of the best clothes in the Bay Area, but when I was modeling for the Santana Row Poolside Soiree last summer I got to see some of the looks coming to the San Francisco Shirt Company. They were intricate and sophisticated; they stood out above everything else in the show. I knew that when Helium told me I could choose what I wanted to wear for my profile shoot, it had to be new looks from their store.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Story & Photography by Matthew Mountford
Interview by Tyler Do
Styling by Renata Gar
Hair Styling by Jade Deveruturda from Umbrella Salon
Makeup by Marina Petrenko
Shoot Direction by Khiem Hoang

Model Profile: Brian Ellison

Helium Magazine — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:03:13 +0000

Helium Magazine: Model Features

Name: Brian Kieth Ellison

Age: 19

Height: 6 foot

Agency: no representation

Hometown: Ventura

MySpace or Facebook? Facebook

SmartPhone or AnyPhone? Blackberry

Mac or PC? Mac

Gisella or Tyra? neither …. Lara stone is my favorite.

Favorite drink? Earl Grey

Favorite guilty pleasure? Cigarettes

What exercise routines do you do? My uncle trains me and he works out every inch of my body. He mixes it up.

Any healthy eating tips? Eat breakfast,lunch and Dinner no snacking!

What’s the most exciting photo shoot or modeling gig you have ever done? Working with the wonderful Matthew Mountford for Helium Magizine of course.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Walking for Lanvin in Paris fashion week.

Favorite fashion designer/store? Karl for Chanel and I love Forever21 because u can get the look you desire for an affordable price.

Most expensive or wild outfit or piece of clothing you’ve ever owned? When I turn 13 years old I went to San Francisco for my birthday and I purchased a beanie from Marc Jacobs and it was about 210 dollars. I had to it was a must.

Model Profile: Kelly Tanimura

Helium Magazine — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:05:35 +0000

Helium Magazine: Model Features

Kelly Tanimura

Age: 18
Height: 5’10”
Agency: Halvorson Model Management
Hometown: San Jose, CA

MySpace or Facebook? Facebook!
SmartPhone or AnyPhone? AnyPhone?
Mac or PC? PC!!!!!
Gisella or Tyra? Both!

Favorite drink? Earl Grey Tea
Favorite guilty pleasure? Food. In general.

What exercise routines do you do? Jogging and Jazz dance
Any healthy eating tips? Moderation is key!

What’s the most exciting photo shoot or modeling gig you have ever done? L.A. Fashion Week!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully being a working model and possibly attending graduate school.

Favorite fashion designer/store? Chanel, Tom Ford, Versace, Valentino, and so many more!
Most expensive or wild outfit or piece of clothing you’ve ever owned? I am so cheap. I hate spending money and usually shop sales and second hand stores. Its so exciting being able to buy things like Lucky Brand jeans for $5!

Model Profile: Christine Yee

Helium Magazine — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:11:38 +0000

Helium Magazine: Model Features

Christine Yee

Age: 18
Height: 5’8
Agency: Halvorson Model Management
Hometown: Cupertino

MySpace or Facebook? Facebook
SmartPhone or AnyPhone? Smartphone
Mac or PC? Mac, even if I own a PC
Gisella or Tyra? Tyra

Favorite drink? Soy Vanilla Chai Lattes and Carmel Macchiatos
Favorite guilty pleasure? Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked Ice Cream

What exercise routines do you do? Yoga
Any healthy eating tips? Sensible Foods Crunch Dried Snacks, the fruits are crunchy so they are perfect for snacking on while studying or watching a movie. They are also just 100% fruit and nothing else so it gives you your daily fruit intake.

What’s the most exciting photo shoot or modeling gig you have ever done? Although it was not an “official” modeling job, I participated in the Bellarmine College Preparatory fashion show my senior year in high school, and it was the best experience ever. The clothes were gorgeous and during all the rehearsals I met so many people and made a lot of friends.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I either hope to be attending the University of California, Davis for veterinarian medicine studies or possibly a completely different career in fashion/media public relations. I still have not decided yet.

Favorite fashion designer/store? Karl Lagerfeld and Jovani
Most expensive or wild outfit or piece of clothing you’ve ever owned? I started saving up for my prom dress years in advanced so that I could totally splurge on a dress I loved, regardless of price.

Model Profile: Daniel Orth

Helium Magazine — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:14:45 +0000

Daniel Orth

Age: 24
Height: 6’0”
Agency: HMM
Hometown: Modesto, CA
Website: www.daniel-orth.com

MySpace or Facebook? Facebook minus the stalkers
SmartPhone or AnyPhone? Any Phone
Mac or PC? PC! Mac’s are for hippies

Gisella or Tyra? Tyra, I used to have a crush on her as a kid
Favorite drink? Water, but I miss chocolate milk
Favorite guilty pleasure? Pigging out after photo shoots or shows

What exercise routines do you do? I do weight training 5-6 days a week and cardio 2-4 days a week.
Any healthy eating tips? Cutting out junk food like soda and sweets, as well as eating low carb/low fat for dinners works wonders, so have a salad!

What’s the most exciting photo shoot or modeling gig you have ever done? Working with the very talented Scott Marrs in San Francisco and shooting almost 20 different themes in only 3 hours!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself in ads for Calvin Klein, Armani and more. Working for Google or Yahoo as their personal trainer and nutritionist. Also, being one of the trainers on the TV Show “The Biggest Loser”. Finally, becoming the official United States spokes model for Health and Fitness.

Favorite fashion designer/store? Banana Republic and JCrew
Most expensive or wild outfit or piece of clothing you’ve ever owned? My $100 pair of Guess jeans is expensive to me!