Celebrities = Photography Clusterf$ck
I spent a limited amount of time outside the "tents" but I have a feeling most of the major celebrities either went through a secret entrance or the bigger named shows were moved to locations outside of Lincoln Center. Given the stampede of photographers and fans surrounding Kimora Lee Simmons and Joan Rivers, I can only imagine what kind of attention bigger named celebrities would have drawn. And I don't think there would have been enough bodyguards to protect them. So Kimora Lee Simmons is freaking tall. The funny thing is that in real life, if you're a woman who's 6ft tall, that's kind of awkward which is a good reminder that most models are almost weird looking in real life. I mean it's hard enough to date in NYC as it is but can you imagine having to then narrow down your choices to men above 6ft tall? Kelly Osbourne looked stunning even with purple hair. She has literally managed to transform herself by losing weight and I hope it's a happy, sustainable weight for her. They both managed to grow into their brands in such a classy way that for a moment, I literally forgot that they both rose to fame as reality T.V. stars.
Mercedes-Benz Spring 2013 Collection at Lincoln Center
I realized my last post title was deceptive since the photos where from a few years ago. This week, I managed to shoot outside the shows twice and the adventures continued. Lincoln Center seems to be a much better location than Bryant Park because the long pathway from the street to the entrance allows for plenty of photography opportunities. I almost feel bad for the celebrities, models and fashionistas who have to navigate the walk in six inch heels with dozens of photographers snapping away.But the location change is nothing compared to a major cultural shift in the last three years or so. First, let's rewind back to my last post where I described the scene three years ago outside the shows. At the time, there were only a handful of street fashion bloggers, Hanneli, Jak and Jil, The Sartorialist, and a few others who mainly shot with more professional-grade DSLRs like the Canon 5D. While they certainly dressed well, especially Hanneli, the photographers mainly focused on shooting those coming out of the shows, especially celebrities or models.
Now lets fast forward nearly four years later. The iPhone and Canon Rebel have been out for a few years and it's nearly become the norm for people to carry around a $500 piece of machinery on their necks or in their pockets. With Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter, everyone has a fairly robust social media presence, perhaps even a popular blog. And with Pinterest, Gilt, and Etsy, it seems that everyone has access to trendsetting designer pieces that they put together in head-turning ways.
That brings me to this week where I saw first hand how the photography industry and fashion world has been flipped on its head. While the fashion show attendees were often demurely dressed professionals, some seeming to purposely avoid attention, the photographers wore brightly colored, edgy, ensembles that screamed for attention. If you were thin, tall, well dressed and beautiful, you were bound to have a cluster of photographers surrounding you. If you were average looking but wore a quirky, well-styled, funky outfit, you could command the attention of the eager photographers. And like the NY Times pointed out today, everyone readily answered who they were wearing. While a celebrity like Kelly Osbourne or Kimora Lee Simmons occasionally caused a mass stampede, the real stars of the Lincoln Center runway were the bloggers, fashion students and anyone else who wanted their 15 seconds of fashion fame.
In fact, this image sums up the experience entirely. The word "meta" comes to mind as I captured my friend, a photographer, who eagerly captured the scene with her adorable four month old son happily attached to her front. People were so enthralled by her son, and her passion for photography that they photographed her while she was photographing others. And others were so delighted that she was now getting her 15 seconds of fame, that they photographed the photographers who were photographing her. And the cycle continues.
Gaining Exposure Through Fashion Week
After a slightly exhaustive internet search, I finally discovered this is Abigail Spencer after having only remembered she was in Mad Men and had dated Don. My amazing memory and facial recognition skills strike again! I've often considered becoming a paparazzi but then question the moral implications. Then again, there are plenty of well known actors who have managed to stay out of the stoplight, making me think that those who are photographed put themselves in situations where that will happen.
A Brief History of Street Fashion Blogs
Aside from the crisp fall weather and chance to start afresh, one of my favorite things about September is the NY fashion shows. Every year, I try to photograph the fashionably dress characters who come in and out of the shows. This tradition has consistently come with its share of adventures.A few years ago, I endured the fridget February cold for the Fall shows, standing outside the DKNY show, secretly located in the West Village, and managed to capture this celebrity filled scene. Nearly three years later, these are still some of my favorite shots taken with my humble Canon 40D using the kit lens.
Later that evening, I stood outside the Marc Jacobs show, making friends with some of the other photographers who I had met earlier during the day. One of those photographers, Henneli, went on to become an international photographer / celebrity. I'm happy to say that I've recently found a few magazine articles and features on both her style and work. She's a model turned photographer and became known for her impecable style, not letting even the highest heels get in the way of her photography abilities. We bonded over our Norwegian heritage (she's actually Norwegian while I only inherited my last name and love of gravlaks). And she invited me to an exclusive party thrown by Justin Timberlake. It was definitely one of those "only in New York" type moments that reminded me why I love the city so much. If you keep an open mind, a smile and a sense of adventure, you never know where the day or night can take you.
Stay tuned for photos of my most recent mini adventure.