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Oakwood shop, Preen, celebrates local beauties
Thursday, November 22, 2007
OAKWOOD — Their larger-than-life faces are hard to miss. The faces in the windows of Preen, a beauty boutique at the Shops of Oakwood, belong to local women; the first of an ongoing collection showcasing the broad spectrum of beauty in the Dayton area.
"My customers are such a big part of this store and have been so supportive of Preen and I just thought it would be great to start honoring their beauty rather than what's being handed down from the companies in New York City," Preen's owner Nicole Gianuglou said.
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"These are both physically beautiful women, but they are also really beautiful people and that's what really drew me to choosing them."
Using bird names, the displays feature women like "dove" Danielle Elam, of Centerville and a recent UD grad.
"It was kind of shocking at first to see me that close up — all my freckles and one eye looks larger than another," said Elam, 22. "I really like them. They're really cool and my parents love the photographs. The've printed them out and have shown them to everybody."
Elam's softer, more natural makeup defines her for the window display as a dove.
In contrast, Hadley Drodge, 23, and a cultural anthropology major at UD, is a peacock.
"I went looking for Nars eye shadow to achieve this ridiculous look from a Chloe ad," Drodge said.
"After much gentle coaxing, Beth (Strickland at Preen) agreed to cover me in green eye shadow and bright red rouge. I loved it."
Gianuglou said posters she received from vendors prompted the idea.
She said the photographs in the window will be an ongoing project, but she imagines the themes will change.
"I haven't really thought out a process. I was kind of thinking it would just sort of evolve organically," Gianuglou said.
Anyone interested in being considered as a model can contact Gianuglou at (937) 293-1818 or visit her at Preen, 2508 Far Hills Ave..
There is no payment for modeling, but those selected get a makeup session, copies of the pictures taken by a professional photographer and a chance to be in the window.
