Model Danna Ballard sits in hair and makeup for the modern pinup-themed shoot, set on the boardwalk of Brooklyn's historic Coney Island.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model
Damaris Lewis' creative screen tank says a lot about her personality, but it's not her favorite wardrobe item. What is? A pair of shiny silver Nike's.
While waiting for hair and makeup, Melissa documents the day with a video camera, and promises to share the footage with Modelinia first.
Damaris studied ballet at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts before becoming a model, but says that what she really loves to do is make people laugh.
Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo applies makeup to last while spending the day under the summer sun.
Melissa loved the platforms designed by Nonoo Lyons designer Deborah Lyons. "And they are so comfortable, too!"
Still not big enough! Photographer Niv Ocean wants va-va-voom volume for Melissa's hair.
Niv calls in a massive gold reflector to help Danna's face shine for the shot.
Danna's bright orange shorts complements the artwork that makes the boardwalk famous.
Designers Misha and Deborah chose simple white slip-on shoes for the look. "They are just so adorable," said Misha.
There is always time for fun. Niv and Danna take a break to ride the Wonder Wheel.
Camera-ready, Louise Donegan and Damaris make their way down the boardwalk for some photo action.
British beauty Louise is determined to keep her fair skin—and her feet—protected. We love the high-tops paired with the bathing suit, Louise!
Everyone loved the idea of photographing Louise's severe black and gold jacket against the vintage backdrop of an old lifeguard station.
Louise performs a bit of a balancing act on top of two water fountains. The police actually drove by and asked her to get down!
After the police reprimanded us, Louise posed vertically with the two fountains.
Damaris walked to the set in
Havaianas flip-flops and changed into gold stilettos once she got there. "I keep getting my heel caught in the planks on the boardwalk!"
Damaris was excited to wear orange—it's one of her favorite colors. But you're more likely to see the 5'9" stunner in much more casual attire when she's not working. "I love to wear hoodies and jeans."
Damaris has three beauty products that she cannot live without: "Any mascara by L'Oréal, gold eyeshadow, and Blistex. That is all I wear."
Even though she is a Coney Island native, Damaris had never actually been on the boardwalk's pier. "This is a first for me. I am so excited!"
Damaris loves being a
Brooklyn girl . She only had to walk a few blocks to get to the shoot.
Damaris put her long legs to use in high school where she studied dance. Her school was the focus of the long-running TV series Fame .
Damaris' model icon is
Tyra Banks . "I watched her growing up and loved her personality. She is never afraid to be herself. And she has a real woman's body, too."
Damaris has goals that extend beyond the camera. "The one thing I hope to accomplish as a model is to make a difference for other black models."
Leaning against the boardwalk's railing with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, Damaris really is breathtaking in that orange blazer.
The reflector lends some golden light to Damaris' outfit and features. It's hard not to look at her.
Melissa loved the jacket the designers picked out for her. "It has chains on it! I love chains on my clothes!"
Fans quickly recognized Melissa from her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spreads and waited around to take photos with her.
Melissa says she looks best in black and red, but she recently bought her first pink dress. "It's a tank dress from
Express , and it's really easy to dress up."
Melissa had no problem eating the props. And really, who could resist getting cotton candy at Coney Island? The two go hand in hand.
The supermodel has fun at work and at play. "I want to take a Viper precision driving course. And I have to go skydiving someday!"
Cindy Crawford was the model who inspired Melissa's own modeling career, but working with
Heidi Klum on the first season of
Project Runway was a "dream come true" for her.
Melissa puckers up for us as she gets her hair touched up on the boardwalk.
Melissa's top three must-have beauty products are
Lubriderm moisturizer, sunscreen, and
Motives Cosmetics . "I just discovered Motives. It's all natural, and you can wear it all day. I love it!"
A lovely shot of Melissa in the Brooklyn sunset.
Melissa literally stopped traffic on the boardwalk. She didn't get a ticket...but she did get a few new fans.
