Celeste Billinge in Leiela Viva gown on location in Vegas. Accessories by Celeste Resort Wear & Jewellery. Photography by Maurice Rinaldi
Arriving in Vegas after an adventurous voyage through the desert along Route 66, the crew could not be deterred. Although exhausted after a seven hour-long road trip, there was no time to rest – as the creative juices were flowing and a city that never sleeps was beckoning. A quick freshen up and dinner at Caesar’s Palace called, after which it was straight into a midnight shoot for Leiela gowns.
Behind-the-scenes: Celeste on location in Vegas
During the photo shoot, model Celeste took everything in her stride. Wearing pieces from her own jewellery collection Celeste Resort Wear and Jewellery, a model’s work should never be underestimated. High up on a narrow ledge and in sky-high heels, she made the shoot look a breeze. Getting the perfect shot is never easy, and this one was practically tough, especially as it was held on the busy bustling Vegas strip. Maurice’s magic never fails however, and a glamorous shot is always ensured.
“Maurice had a vision,” says Lucy, “A narrow ledge or high heels were not going to get in the way of an amazing shot!”
Dinner at Rao’s in Vegas
Whilst out in Vegas, designer Lucy and the crew were totally rapt to have dinner with Grammy award winning 5th Dimension band member Lamont McLemore. Everyone will recognise the catchy Age of
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius song, and as Lamont is a long-time friend of Maurice’s, they entertained everyone with their personal stories of tennis games and shenanigans.
The fashion crew with Lamont
Chatting about his extraordinary experiences shooting for Jet magazine and being onstage with Frank Sinatra, the fashion crew were happy to sit back and take it all in, and thoroughly enjoyed the dinner at Rao’s restaurant. Rao’s, as owned by Frank Pellegrino of Goodfellas fame, meant it was a star-studded affair all round. The pair have both recently released books – Lamont’s 5th Dimension Memoir and Frank’s Rao’s Recipes from the Neighbourhood.
Gilligan’s Island
Meeting Dawn Wells of Gilligan’s Island
Whenever Maurice is around there is always plenty of celebrity action. Heading back to LA there were more introductions lined up, meeting Dawn Wells who played Mary Ann in Gilligan’s Island, and Danny Bonaduce who played Danny Partridge in the Partridge family.
Lucy with Danny Bonaduce
Such an adventure is not all work, and as Lucy says, “I love having my family to travel with me, and being able to do my work with my family at my side is a blessing.”
The Partridge Family
Taking time out with the family, a trip to Disneyland was a true highlight, especially for the designer’s two young children. They loved every minute of the magical Disneyland, and it was a dream come true to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the flesh. A visit to Universal Studios was just as magical, and a 3D studio bus tour impressed, along with meeting the Minions.
Meeting Minnie Mouse
Mickey Mouse and the magic of Disneyland
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