"Maestro is definitely inspired by my high school days in theater. I was absolutely fascinated by larger than life characters that seemed to step outside the narrative and be unlike those around them, like the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee from 'Cabaret' or just the sort of acts you'd see on a vaudeville stage. I particularly wanted to use makeup to balance the line between femininity and masculinity to challenge "gender norms" when it comes to beauty standards.

I was so grateful to be introduced to my model Mack. He came in without any idea of the concept and I had barely shown him my face chart when he was absolutely on board. And we were thrilled with the mustache that I had wig knotted under the tutelage of former Head of Makeup & Wigs with the Canadian Opera Company and CMU instructor, Kelly McCallum, who helped style it as well. Such a fun day and so happy with the results!"

-Red

Makeup design & application, wardrobe styling & wig knotting.
Mustache styling by Kelly McCallum.
Photographed by Michael Ching.