Model’s Halloween Magic: Marie Antoinette Comes to Life at BMA

Take a peek behind the curtain of Birmingham’s most stunning Halloween fashion showcase with Model Finn Jasele

Model Finn Jasele poses on steps at Birmingham Museum of Art. Photos by Liesa Cole

A Royal Transformation: Marie Antoinette Reimagined in the Magic City

Halloween brings out creativity in Birmingham’s fashion scene. Forecast Salon partnered with Birmingham Museum of Art’s “Drinks After Five” to create an unforgettable costume showcase this season.

I was thrilled to portray Marie Antoinette, bringing the famous French queen to life for modern audiences. This role required both physical and mental preparation to authentically represent such an iconic historical figure.

The Creative Collective: Birmingham’s Artistic Synergy

This transformation was made possible through the collaborative excellence of Birmingham’s creative community:

Forecast Salon: Under the direction of owner Brittney and stylist Mark, the salon served as creative headquarters for the metamorphosis
Makeup Artistry: The talented Somica created elaborate prosthetics and period-authentic makeup
ISHI Luxe Boutique: Provided the exquisite contemporary garments that reimagined 18th-century royal attire
Birmingham Museum of Art: The historic venue that framed this artistic presentation
Wardrobe Styling: Mindi Shapiro’s vision brought historical accuracy to modern luxury

Preparation: The Introvert’s Journey to Transformation

The modeling profession demands a psychological transformation as significant as the physical one. As an introvert by nature, preparing for a character model assignment requires substantial mental preparation that began a month before the event.

“As a model, my job is to become whatever character the hiring team needs me to be,” I reflected during preparation. “This is the fascinating aspect of the career, but it requires careful balance—embodying the character without losing yourself in the role.”

For this particular transformation, research became essential. Understanding Marie Antoinette’s historical context, appearance, and demeanor provided the foundation for authentic representation. The creative team shared visual references through Pinterest boards, establishing a shared vision for hair, makeup, and styling that honored historical accuracy while incorporating contemporary elements.

The Fitting: ISHI Boutique’s Contemporary Royal Vision

Finding garments that could evoke 18th-century royal opulence while maintaining contemporary relevance required specialized expertise. ISHI Luxe Boutique in Mountain Brook provided the perfect solution with their curated collection of statement pieces.

During the fitting process, we selected the Luxe Ruffle Tube ($198) paired with the Luxe Hilo Ruffle Tulle Skirt ($309)—garments that captured the essence of royal extravagance through a modern lens. These contemporary pieces would create the foundation for the historical transformation, complemented by carefully selected accessories including statement socks that added subtle detail to the overall presentation.

Transformation Day: The Technical Artistry

The day of the event began with an afternoon call time at Forecast Salon, where the technical aspects of the transformation commenced. The makeup process extended over two hours, featuring custom silicon prosthetics that enhanced cheekbone structure for period authenticity.

Pro Styling Tip: Always wear button-down shirts or tops that can be easily removed from your shoulders when headed to professional makeup application. This prevents smearing when changing into costume garments.

After completing the foundation makeup work, the team relocated to the Birmingham Museum of Art for final preparations. The venue provided not just a spectacular backdrop but a historically resonant setting for this artistic presentation.Show Day

Once the prosthetics were in place I could finally relax. All done by Somica. Photos by Liesa Cole

ProTip: Wear button-down shirts or tops that can easily be removed from your shoulders. You don’t want to pull anything over your head after makeup to prevent smears and smudges.

Venue Check In

Once I was done with makeup, I was given an all-clear to head to the next place. My hair would be done at the site, as well as the rest of my prep. Once finally settled, we were offered some light snacks to keep our energy up.

Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash (Never feed the models)

The Engineering Challenge: A 30-Pound Headpiece

The most technically challenging aspect of the transformation involved the elaborate headpiece—a structural marvel weighing over 30 pounds that required significant engineering to secure safely. The weight made conventional movement impossible, necessitating creative problem-solving from the entire team.

“Eventually, we created a solution that required securing my arms to my back,” I explained about the unconventional approach. “Slightly uncomfortable, but necessary to maintain the headpiece stability during the presentation.”

This challenge highlighted the physical demands behind seemingly effortless modeling presentations—the behind-the-scenes reality that transforms concept into visible art through technical problem-solving and physical endurance.

Mark trying to place the final touches on the costume. Photos by Liesa Cole

All hands on deck we are less than twenty minutes to show time! Photos by Liesa Cole

The Presentation: From Anxiety to Artistry

The culminating moment—descending the museum’s grand staircase—crystallized the intersection of anxiety and artistry that defines professional modeling. With arms partially immobilized, balancing a massive headpiece, wearing luxurious but challenging footwear, and navigating stairs before an audience, the presentation required entering a focused performance state.

“Am I nervous? No, I am TERRIFIED,” I admitted about the moments before presentation. “This is what professionals do—enter the zone, find flow state. I become Finn, and magic happens.”

The audience response validated weeks of preparation and hours of transformation. Guests approached afterward, fascinated by the craftsmanship and artistic vision, forming lines for photographs—the ultimate affirmation that the creative team had successfully transformed historical reference into contemporary artistic expression.

Some of the models from the fashion show. Owner of Forecast Salon Photos by Liesa Cole

Luxe Ruffle Tube ($198) and the Luxe Hilo Ruffle Tulle Skirt ($309) sold by ISHI Photos by Liesa Cole

Models from the show in their costumes Photos by Liesa Cole

Birmingham: The Unexpected Creative Canvas

While many assume modeling careers require relocation to traditional fashion capitals, Birmingham increasingly offers unique creative opportunities that blend art, history, and fashion in unexpected ways.

“Though many wonder why I remain here when my talents could be utilized elsewhere, what they don’t understand is that modeling has taken me around the world. Birmingham is more than just home—it’s opportunity,” I reflected after the event.

This Halloween spectacular exemplifies how Birmingham’s creative community continues to develop distinctive artistic expressions that transcend conventional categories. The collaboration between Forecast Salon, ISHI Luxe, and Birmingham Museum of Art demonstrates the city’s evolving identity as a place where creativity flourishes in unexpected forms.

Beyond Selling Clothes: Modeling as Artistic Medium

The Halloween presentation reinforced modeling’s deeper purpose beyond commercial fashion. “To me, modeling isn’t about selling clothes; it’s about the beauty of knowing someone’s vision became reality. That is art,” I emphasized after the event.

This perspective reframes modeling as a collaborative artistic medium that brings concepts to three-dimensional life—transforming ideas into experiences that audiences can witness, appreciate, and remember.

Why Birmingham Is a Model’s Paradise

Though many assume modeling careers require living in fashion capitals, Birmingham offers unique creative opportunities that blend art, history, and fashion.

“Birmingham isn’t just home—it’s opportunity,” I explain when asked why I stay. “Modeling has taken me worldwide, but here I find projects that truly inspire creativity.”

This Halloween showcase perfectly demonstrates how Birmingham’s creative community develops distinctive artistic expressions by connecting historical inspiration with contemporary vision.

Final Thoughts

Modeling as Art Form: Beyond the Clothes

The true joy of modeling goes deeper than showcasing fashion. “Modeling isn’t about selling clothes—it’s about bringing someone’s creative vision to life,” I believe strongly.

This perspective elevates modeling to a collaborative art form that transforms concepts into tangible experiences for audiences to appreciate and remember.

After the show, we celebrated at The Atomic with sparkling rosé—a perfect toast to Birmingham’s creative community and a successful artistic collaboration.