Fashion is innovation. Oftentimes, one’s personal style is a direct reflection of their personality, the way they feel, or the way they want to be perceived by the world. The personified sanctum that is one’s closet is more than just threads and fabric; it is a right to self-expression.

The word “Gaudy” has a negative connotation. In fact, according to Merriam-Webster, gaudy means “vulgar or cheaply showy, and often implies a tasteless use of overly bright colors or excessive ornamentation”. To that I say, one mans “excessive ornamentation” is another man’s treasure! The theme of this editorial photoshoot is “Gaudy Girls Go to Heaven.” The concept came to me organically. Carl Fabros, AKA Han, the brilliant photographer of this dreamy project, contacted me about wanting to do a fashion photoshoot. He let me know that he liked my personal style, so, I thought what better way to lean into this than to dramatize my typical look while also pushing myself out of my comfort zone a bit! I was greatly inspired by hot couture runway looks and quirky editorial Vogue columns. I’ve always been a fan of all things whimsical, so the initial brainstorming of this project definitely had that as a foundation. I’ve really been into layering, garment flow, and superfluous accessories as of late. That being said, the vision, as far as the wardrobing went, became inherently clear. But, the concept was born first.

My small-town upbringing greatly inspired this piece, as well as the person I am today. I graduated with about 50 people in my class, which was the biggest graduating class known to mankind in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. The small-town life definitely came with some good moments, but the edgy fashion community wasn’t innovative or even welcomed during the time that I was growing up there. It felt like I might as well have been begging for public scrutiny if I succumbed to my eccentric and quirky style desires. If that sounds dramatic, it’s because it is! Why would I ever allow myself to be limited in any shape or form, especially with something as simple as my wardrobe? Dramatic as it may have been, it is a big part of why I now embrace my personality in excess, which directly relates to my personal style. My mother, one of my biggest supporters and outfit-of-the-day admirers, would always check me when I tried to wear something too “*gaudy*”. Heaven forbid I let the town know I dress different, because that would make me different. But, what’s so wrong with different?

The way I styled myself for the “Gaudy Girls Go to Heaven” shoot is the way I want to dress every day. I want to look in the mirror and embrace the walking trinket looking back at me! Something about this revelation within that is also being outwardly expressed is completely and utterly magical to me. One may even say.. Heavenly. Like, I did my time, I walked on earth and withstood judgement, and I finally earned my wings (those wings being an ungodly number of mixed fabrics, accessories, gaudy galore, etc.)! Heaven is a place on earth when you are comfortable embracing self-expression with your personal style. (Brownie points at the pearly gates if you shop sustainably, though.) On that note, the ethereal outfit I styled for this piece was found at the one and only, Holy Thrift. Much of the jewelry and trinkets dancing along my outfit are from Antique Co-Op. Shopping at either of these divine stores feels like an answered prayer, FYI. My whimsical nail set was done by THE Bita Etemadfard, (@bitsnails on Instagram), my talented and creative Norman-based nail tech! The fact that they still look this good after 4 weeks astonishes me. Talk about retention! I hope this editorial creation can come as inspiration to anyone who has ever felt out of place. Always remember that you are your own fashion icon, and may the fashion “Gauds” be with you!

Community is Key

“It’s all in the mind. It takes time to build confidence.”-Carl Fabros

Carl Fabros, AKA Han, is a talented creative photographer based in Oklahoma City, who used his passion for photography to step out of his comfort zone. From the rice fields of the Philippines to the inspiring “City of Angels” and back to beloved 405 community, Han has traveled more than just through his camera roll. With countless stories to tell, and even more yet to be captured, his work continues to push boundaries and explore new perspectives.

During Han’s time in California, he struggled in finding comfort in community. He has had different Instagram pages reflecting his art throughout his life. While he was in L.A., he was deeply inspired by his loneliness. His art reflected the raw emotion he felt at that time, so his page had a darker and moodier vibe. This outlet helped him work through his emotions, which became a therapeutic pattern throughout his life.

"The community here means a lot to me. I met most of my friends through the Oklahoma City scene, including my future wife, whom I proposed to while taking a photo of her… down on one knee." Friendly and supportive are two of the words that Han used when describing the community he has found during his time in the Midwest. The chosen family he has gained in Oklahoma has been a huge motivation for him. When he moved back to Oklahoma, he decided to start a photography meet-up page. He was tired of his anxiety holding him back from his potential, and wanted to make himself get out of his comfort zone so he could become more interactive in the photography community.

Decisions, Decisions: Han Conquering Confidence

“I know how it feels not knowing how to reach out to people. And I knew creating a photography group would make it easier.”

Discrimination, belittlement, and anxiousness were Han’s biggest obstacles in pursuing his dreams. A defying moment for Han was when he realized that photography started to feel like therapy, and how much it truly made him happy. When he first started the photography meet-up group, which eventually become the largest in Oklahoma at the time, he was afraid to network with people because of his anxiety. After years of pursuing the monthly meet-ups, he broke out of his shell and is now able to confidently network for collaborative photoshoots. “I got to the point where I was like; I’m tired of being anxious. Confidence takes time to build. It takes time to lose. Change takes time.” A profound statement that stuck out to me. I met Han because he reached out to me to do a collaboration. If it weren’t for him deciding to conquer confidence, I wouldn’t be writing this very piece!

In 2023 and 2024, Han got the pivotal opportunity to do photography work for New York Fashion Week, which pushed him to get more familiar with fashion photography. This was a surreal moment in his career that gained him exposure and a valuable experience in his craft. He describes the wardrobing that he photographed as “art that could be worn”. To go from being too anxious to reach out to people for collaborations to being asked to be a part of NYFW is such a monumental step in not only Han’s career, but also his confidence.

Creative Cloud

“There have been times where I didn’t get enough photos or try out different creative perspectives. So now, every time I shoot, I treat it like I’m never going to get to shoot there again.”

Pinterest mood boards, Myspace, and the one and only, Tumblr, were the pieces that made up the artistic blueprint for Han (@tumblrdaddyirl on Instagram). This iconic handle has become Han’s creative outlet and business front for his Instagram photography portfolio. During the interview, Han reminisced on the Tumblr glory days. He explained how much effort it took to create an aesthetic page, and it shows that his constant attention to detail is keeping the Tumblr energy alive through his Instagram page.

Han, a curious explorer, constantly finds inspiration in unexpected places. Whether that is the Midtown Plaza sign, abandoned buildings, music, movies, or fellow local creatives, he sees a vision in what inspires him and, with steadfast enthusiasm, transfers that vision to his camera lens. He recently has found a mentor, Shevaun Williams, who has given him the tools he needs to grow even more in his creative craft. She has inspired him to do editorial photoshoots and has taught him the importance of lighting, communicating with the model, and looking at the ‘bigger picture’, not just focusing on the model’s face.

“I like to shoot at unique spots, and I like to shoot at locations that are very common. I try to challenge myself by getting different angles, and making it look like it’s a different place.” Perspective is an important factor in all areas of life, and Han understands that recognizing this is a game changer in the photography realm. I asked Han if he had a specific photography style that he enjoyed, to which he replied, “having a theme restricts me.” Han’s creative style has changed with the seasons throughout his life, and this is depicted on his page. His current alias, @tumblrdaddyirl, is digital proof of his growth, and the fact that he is in a good place. From what was once dark and moody photos, is now vibrant colors and editorial pieces, making it evident that he has grown more than just in his photography skills. After finding his confidence and community; he has blossomed as a creative photographer and as a person, all while capturing this growth on camera.

Since writing this article, Han and his fiancé have opened their very own photography studio called Neon Poppy Studios in Bethany, Oklahoma. It is a rentable natural light studio and mini event space for all creatives. Everything clicks when you follow your dreams!

Gaudy Girls Go to Heaven X Carl Fabros Photography