Today we’d like to introduce you to Noel Rodriguez.
Noel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I studied Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing at El Centro College in downtown Dallas, received a Costume and Stage Makeup Certificate in the process. My expertise consists of couture masks and headdresses. I did an internship with Jan Strimple, which led me to Venue Arts a design firm in the Dallas Design District.
My journey also included meeting Rhonda Sargent Chambers, for the past five years I’ve been a part of creating over the top headdresses for DIFFA via her guidance. Today I am the Art Specialist at the Sweet Tooth Hotel under the direction of Cole and Jencey Keeton.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was a bit of a challenge to establish myself as an artist, for me it was how can I distinguish my art, my pieces. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without Jan Strimple and Rhonda Chambers.
I learned so much from them, they would make me look at a piece from every single angle, 360. To see it from the chairs as it would come down the runway. To create the impossible, to create a wow moment, their vision helped me to think big, to make unique pieces.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am known for headpieces, for runway headdresses. I can create one of a kind, custom editorial pieces. If it’s big, colorful or full of feathers RSC Productions and Jan Strimple Productions contact me ASAP.
One of my proudest moments was this past winter. I created two whimsical headdresses for The Sweet Tooth Hotel, Shamsy Roomiani created “The Great Conjunction” and needed a headpiece that was shot by Elizabeth Lavin for D Magazine.
When you see your work in print, it’s totally mind-blowing! I do elaborate pieces, over the top work, I don’t like simple, I love a challenge, and that’s what sets me apart.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is the perfect scene for my work. DIFFA Dallas is probably the largest venue I have to showcase my headdresses.
I would recommend anyone to design something, to go to an art gallery or a design school to show your work, once you put your foot out in the industry there is no looking back.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 469-579-9184
- Email: rodriguez_noel@me.com
- Instagram: noelfromtheblock
Image Credit:
Randy Anderson Photography, Elizabeth Lavin Photography, Central Track Photography, Jan Strimple, Rhi Lee Photography
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