Girl of the Week: Mhelanni Gorre
It’s been awhile since we’ve featured a girl photographed by Pat, but he spotted this week’s Girl of the Week while he was at work (we’re big fans of multitasking, so thanks Pat!). Mhelanni Gorre was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours from the University of Manitoba then moved to Vancouver about 5 years ago. Mhelanni is a photographer who specializes in fashion and music photography. Her dream is to work for Getty Images and Associated Press and eventually have her concert photos published in Rolling Stones. Meet Mhelanni.
Wearing… An old grey tunic from Forever 21, an American Eagle army coat that I got on consignment (I studded some of the pockets to personalize it a little more), Dr. Marten boots, wool tights that I got from Walmart, a hat from Urban Outfitters, and my trusted World Famous canvas messenger bag (with foxtail keychain from Front & Co) that I’ve had since I was 15.
My personal style is…Very Gemini-like! It can be very boho-girly one day, very grunge the next, or very rockabilly/punk (you can’t tell in the photo, but both sides of my head are shaved. I have a seriously long mohawk!). It’s always rock influenced- relaxed with a bit of an edge. I like to alter and customize a lot of my clothing whether it’s studding or spiking it or cutting it up (I went through a shredding phase this past spring/summer).
Autumn essentials… Black thick tights layered with wool legwarmers layered with boots. It’s how I can get away with wearing mini-skirts in mid-November.
Most recent purchase… The UO hat that I’m wearing in the photo and Tea Tree skin tonic from The Body Shop since I was running out.
3 items to save from a fire… My arsenal of cameras, my external hard drives, and photos of my parents.
Favourite local hot spots… Chronic Taco just off Cambie and Broadway, hands down. The food is good and the staff is pretty chill. I’m there so often I’m pretty sure that the staff there recognize me as the girl who always orders carnitas tacos without onions.
Drink of choice… Green tea! I rarely drink alcohol and I’m weaning myself off soda but I can be persuaded to have some Pimm’s or sangria if the occasion is right.
Beauty must-haves… Dior Diorshow Blackout mascara, Body Shop hemp lip balm, and black eyeliner! I like Dolce and Gabanna’s The One for perfume and a really good moisturizer is key, too.
Repeat buy… Dr. Marten boots, obviously! Affordable and comfortable. I admit I currently have 9 pairs.
Currently saving up for… The next part of my tattoo sleeve! I have a ¼ tattoo sleeve of orchids and roses on my right forearm and it’ll be a full sleeve one day. Those babies don’t come cheap.
Favourite accessory… My tiki necklace from New Zealand that I got when I was 18. You’ll never see me without it. Other accessories that get worn daily is a black Mayan jade necklace from my mom, some skull rings that I’ve picked up here and there, and my favourite Munroe piercing.
Guilty pleasure… Eating an entire bag of Kettle’s Sweet Onion chips in one sitting and buying items on sale at Old Navy.
Photograph by Patrick Leung
