Ni'ihau Shell Leis: A May Day Tribute

Intricate patterns, diverse styles and vivid colors of the Ni'ihau shell leis.

Aerial view of Ni'ihau.

Hawaiian Queen Emma wearing multiple strands of Ivory colored Ni'ihau leis.

Shells are first gathered and sorted for color and size.

Each shell is cleaned of debris, pierced and strung.

I own this style and LOVE it. Very sacred to me.

Layered shells form unique texture.

Photograph by Tomas del Amo

As a young girl I was fasinated by the layered shell patterns of the Ni'ihau leis and find myself even more intrigued today. If you have never heard of Ni'ihau your not alone. Nick named The Forbidden Isle visitors to this part of the Hawaiian chain are rare. Privately owned, the Hawaiian traditions, language and culture are still very much alive.

In celebration of May Day we take a moment and pay tribute to the intricate beauty of the Ni'ihau shell lei. Ni'ihau holds some of the greatest shell craftsmen known. The island is very dry and lacks enough rainfall to support the blossoms of the traditional flower lei; the shell lei served as an exquisided substitue. 

I will be forever in awe of the artisans who create these timeless pieces. Their patience is astounding. Those shells are tiny! 

Happy May Day and A hui ho! 

Mr. Steam: Escape Everyday

At long last the Mr. Steam commerical has been released! Set production by Nikole Nelson Studios. Design by Raina Kattelson. Video by Toni Comas.

For more project details visit: A Stylist's Life

Mr. Steam Commercials Launch March 2013

Photograph by Steven Krause

The Mr. Steam commercials filmed last October 2012 are gearing up for launch next month and we could not be more excited. Our crew produced an amazing set - can't wait to see it come to life on film. Stay tuned!

Gettin Our Street Art On!

We started the New Year off with a bang, beautifying New Balance's Corporate headquarters in Boston. Street art techniques were used in their stairwells to showcase vintage and modern NB athlete prints. We installed, aged and texured them, bringing to life a rich surface treatment that emphasized the restored brick architecture. Cheers to another successful project highlighting the rich history of the NB legacy.

Jeff Harris 2012 Christmas Card Outtakes

Photograph by Jeff Harris. Set design by Nikole Nelson Studios. Hair/Makeup by Abby Ballin.

Kate in makeup with the talented Abby.

Taking a break from setting props to beautify for the camera.

Rehearsal time.

Pregnant set designer tests lovely vintage sofa while fluffy assistant awaits orders.

Naughty Santa.

Crew shot.

Santa takes a load off at the end of a long day.