Al Tolstoy is Wearable Therapy’s founder, Karla Stephens-Tolstoy’s, husband and is also a believer in making a statement through fashion. He shared some of his talents behind a camera by shooting several of our models in our inspirational clothing. Check out what the man behind the lens had to say in our Q&A:
Where are you from?
My Mother’s womb.
What was your journey to becoming a photographer?
I walked across from my bedroom to the Studio.
Do you have any other jobs?
Happily retired except when Karla drags me into her projects.
What inspires your photography?
Hot clothes & hot models.
Do you have any trademarks/recurring themes in your pictures?
PILLOWS, TEES, HOODIES and BED SPREADS that I now see in my dreams!
Where can our customers find you or your work online?
Wearable Therapy.
Why did you choose to work with WT?
Duh! I’m married to Karla.
What is your favorite WT product?
The artistic presentation of the red dress.
How do you think that style defines us?
It represents a solid global issue which is important to me.
PROUD- My 3 sons
ANGRY- When I listen to idiotic comments from uninformed people.
EXCITED- Detroit Red Wings & my wife
SCARED- Not much of anything
LUCKY- Looks like I have a protective Guardian Angel
CONFLICTED- When my beliefs come into question
EMPOWERED- All the time
HOPEFUL- I’m a positive person and blessed
SAD- When I see or hear of someone in pain
STRONG- When I persevere in times of challenges
Freeway or Scenic Route? Scenic route
Night out with friends or a quiet night in? Quiet night at home
Adventure trip or relaxing vacation? It’s a tie
Great job with long hours or Okay job with lots of time off? Great job
The 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s? The 60’s
Are your real life (people you know) role models?
Grandfather Boris Tolstoy and Grandmother Elizabeth Penionjkevetch
Are your famous/well-known role models?
Billy Joel (talented beyond real). Sophie Loren (beauty & dignity in life).
Would you like to work with/for in the future?
Myself as I’m a great boss!
Inspired you most as a child?
My Mom. Gordie Howe. Teachers telling me that I was smart but lazy (They just didn’t understand my life’s priorities!)
Pushes you the hardest?
Myself.
WT is all about Defining Your Normal. So, let’s find out more about what makes you You!
What is your definition of ‘normal’?
A balanced approach in life. Not to excitable & not to blasé.
We are all about celebrating people’s awesomeness, so what makes you awesome?
I’m very humble but this would be a long list! Humor, humility, work ethic, resiliency, creativeness, ingenuity, etc.
What is a challenge that you face often in your life?
Getting my wife off the iPad.
What is the best compliment that you have ever received?
That I was kind.
What was the best criticism you ever received?
That I sometimes pushed too hard to get my views across.
What makes your life easier?
A minivan.
What makes your life more difficult?
Things that repeatedly break down!
What is your definition of success?
A good family, good health, a good career & good money earned.
We are all changing and evolving all the time. How are you in the process of changing?
Getting older and it’s not as funny as when I saw others going through it!
If you could interview anyone, whom would you choose?
The leaders of ISIS to better comprehend the sources of all that hatred.