In author Christine Suppes’ and photographer Frederic Aranda’s new book, “California Elegance,” the people are just as much a focus as the state’s gorgeous natural landscapes and cultural destinations. From…
April Black Diamond, fashion designer
“Walking down South Broadway in Los Angeles, we saw this shop with the most incredible gowns in the window it was like Paris haute couture,” Suppes says. “It was April’s shop; it turns out she is one of the most sought-after quinceañera dress designers in the state. We spent two days with her just in awe of the pieces.”
“When April decides to do something, she doesn’t hold back,” Aranda says. “Soon after, she rallied a couple of her actual quinceañera clients to come to the store so that we could photograph them being fitted. We ended up shooting our cover there, too. I was sad to leave at the end of the two days as I really liked everyone; I think this comes across in every picture.”