Fearless fashionistas and frugal followers,
My darlings and dear ones I debated for months over the exact wording of this letter, what witty remarks I'd make and all of the shout outs I'm honor bound to give . I've written (and rewritten and edited and rewritten again and...well you get the idea) and yet I still don't know quite what to say except “Thank you”.
Thank you to all of the amazing photographers who captured whatever crazy concept I managed to concoct, all the while adding something unexpected and creative. Paul O. Colliton Your studio was in the first issue and everything you've ever shot for IMT is the ish. Bonus you're one of like two people in the world who own a copy of my book and I'm going to miss seeing you something fierce. Michelle Wild Thank you for always representing for female photographers especially with work that's fun and fashionable. Ken Thurlbeck I'm in total awe of you, now and always and all three times I've had the pleasure of being in your presence on set the magazine was richer for it.
Thank you to all the hairstylists and make-up artists who with their brushes (and combs and mascara wands) made magic manifest. Elizabeth Gerbino You're a genius flat out. You're work is everything I aspire to be as a person: glam, gorgeous and full of spirit. Ty Shaw Hands down you're one of the most fashionable people I know in real life and your work is truly a reflection of you. Sharon Rosa I don't think I've ever seen anyone work so fast and so efficiently, you're amazing on set. Ayanna and Natalie Ladies you were both there before the beginning and I love you both for your energy and effort. You two have more talent than I can even begin to put into words.
Thank you to all the designers who let me pull from their collections and play dress up with some of the most beautiful clothes (and jewelry and shoes) I've ever seen up close Andrea Pitter of Pantora Doll it's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and getting to showcase your designs and I cannot wait until you're showing at fashion week, Sharah Grayson of cliché crave It feels like I've known you forever and it's been amazing getting to work with you on repeat. Frank at the Hand me down showroom You already know I think you're a rockstar and not just because you lend me such fab pieces, thanks for always being down to help out the cause.
Thank you to all of the models for posing fiercely and for being more fabulous than I ever hoped you'd be. Anita Clay and Reicha The two of you were the first real models to believe in the dream and I will forever be indebted to you for that. Jin The first shots I gt to work with you on are still some of my personal favorites, you light up a set in such a real way. Issanna Izzy I love you! There's no other way to say it. Thank you for your support and your energy and your effervescent personality.
Thank you to the celebs and in some cases their handlers for helping keep things current and fresh. Elayne Rivers Homie I'm lucky to have you and not just because you scored me interviews with Raz B., Orlando Brown and Jaimie Foxworth. We've been cool since what feels like way longer than it actually is and you deserve a gold star for that. Persia you dealt with my own and only groupie moment with grace and class. Levin Rambin you were the first real celebrity I had access to and thank you for playing along. Linda Hamilton you're the reality t.v. Personality wrangling champion, kudos on that and fr still being so damn cool.
Thank you of course to Boz, my fearless partner in this endeavor and the best cousin a girl could have. Ida my best friend and biggest cheerleader. Nina my oldest friend and the only contributor to IMT more constant that me. Oh and the family for dealing with the drama of my being all power crazed.
I'm sure there are names I forgot, don't be mad it's been a long journey and unfortunately I sometimes have swiss cheese for brains (now is one of those times).
This issue I wanted to focus solely on why IMT Styles was built, since it's our last I hope that it'll serve as a reminder and reference point for all of the imitators (yeah I said it) that are following in our footsteps. The main premise of this magazine wasn't necessarily about the relationship advice or coverage of topical events. It wasn't even about the DIY aspects or keeping your karma clean, it was about what you did with it. So in that vein I'm leaving you with some of the best of it, the articles that over the last three years have been the most important in my opinion. And of course in addition to some of my personal faves in terms of images there are also some new sets for you to savor. Let the moment linger and show the guest book some love since this my darlings is the last picture show...
For now and for always,
Charli