Life Through My Lens: Back in New York City
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Remembering Warmer Days - NYC Street Photos
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Life in Photos: Seattle
Before I started my new "permalance" job, I was lucky enough to visit my sister in Seattle. Mostly because I got to see her but the weather lived up to its name. I wanted to sleep and drink coffee, then repeat. But I suppose it was an official vacation of sorts. It's always interesting to see the subtle nuances or not so subtle differences between people from city to city.
Trend Series: The Innocent Late 80's
I noticed this trend about five years ago. Suddenly black teenagers were modeling their hair and fashion after Kid 'n Play and The Fresh Prince, the more PG rappers of the late 80's to early 90's. My guess is that it's a defense towards racial profiling and the stereotype that most urban youth are violent, drug-dealing gang members. It's also a backlash towards the more violent, extreme rap. So like any planner should, I asked some friends to back up or dispute my hypothesis (something I will try to do with each trend spotting post).From my friend Jai Wilcher:
Indeed I am black and a dude and from BK, so I think I qualify toserve this panel. I think your DEAD ON with the observation as far as this trend goes, absolutely ... I honestly feel we can have a similar conversation in another 5 years ... and the end result would be close to if not the same, just goes to show the, dare I say "circular" evolution of the trend and the culture of hip hop.
I think now a days, things are extremely different than the way they used to be, image is still important, however the presentation has changed a ton and with that - the idea has altered as well. Gives the whole culture a cleaner, fresher more creative and artistic feel, conveys the same message, but in a more universal manner, I think. I also think those small, independent cells that were the "thinkers" or the "abstracts" those, De La Souls and A Tribe Called Quest and Poor Righteous Teachers version of hip hop advocates from the 80's that were seen as the back burner, weirdos of the movement are finally getting their shine on, and yes, I'd say Will "Fresh Prince" Smith as wellfalls into this category.
And from a good friend and former classmate, Dr. Shonda Lackey who's a clinical psychologist and freelance writer in NYC and who's conducted research on how racism and stigma can affect interpersonal relationships and health:
I hadn't noticed this trend, but in most cases, the way people dress often indicates something about the way they perceive themselves and how they want to be perceived by others. This is what fashion designers and brand marketers know. Some Blacks adopt a particular style of dress so as to deflect negative perceptions others might have of them. Others might adopt a style that challenges the status quo as racists will view Blacks in a negative manner regardless of how they present themselves. Yet, it can't be assumed that a Black is making a political statement based on his or her choice of clothing. The only way to really find out an individual's beliefs and values is to get to know him or her on the individual level.
So I think this is another great example of two aspects of account planning. The first is straight from art history 101; that visual trends; whether in fashion, architecture or design can be outlays of cultural shifts. The second is that once again, we can't categorize people (or our consumers) based on their age, race, location, etc. but must get deeper into understanding what their experiences and viewpoints are to better understand their culture.
NYC City Guide: Best Cheap Haircut
If you're looking for a cheap haircut; i.e. under $50 for women, I highly recommend Tease on 2nd Avenue. I found Tease after finding a review in NY Magazine and have been going for the last few years. I usually get Jason but have had a few people and they're all good. But what makes the experience extra, extra special is their head massages while they wash your hair. Seriously. To die for. I'd take a head massage over complimentary tea any day. Last week I decided to take the plunge and chopped off all my hair. With a few celebrity photos I had compiled on Pinterest for reference, Jason was able to transform my hair from a safe but shapeless mid-length to a bold, curl embracing cut. Change your hair, change your life right? Perhaps with my age appropriate cut, I'll finally stop getting carded. The below photo was taken while my hair was still wet so not in its full curly glory but you get the idea.
Weekend Web Guide
Just in case there's a moment this weekend where you actually want to spend time at your computer - you know - glued to it like it's a weekday- here's a short list of some of my favorite sites.For honest, entertaining and helpful relationship advice whether you're single or dating, check out The Date Report from HowAboutWe.
For gift ideas, fashion and all around regular inspiration for women, check out my favorite blog Cup of Jo by Joanna Goddard.
For a regular dose of creative inspiration, add Visual News to your RSS reader.
NYC Guide: Cheap & Chic Dresses
Nearly a decade of living in or near New York City has taught me a thing or two about where to find the best coffee, where to get cheap dresses that aren't from Forever 21, decent work spots, etc. So here goes the start of another series. None of these posts are paid for and are all from my own experiences. If any of that changes, I'll let you know.
First up, what all my male readers have been waiting for. Dresses!
I discovered Cora dresses about two years ago at Artists & Fleas right outside of the Williamsburg flea market. The dresses are a very simple but femininely cut, made in one size. They're less than $50 and they constantly come out with new and interesting patterns, making a collection inevitable. (I have three!) I especially love how the cut is sweet and feminine but the patterns; ranging from graphic elements to foxes, are cleverly unexpected. Wear them over jeans, leggings, stockings or go bare. Dress them up or make them look more casual. And see their website for locations. I'm a fan of their stand at Chelsea Market but I recommend eating the obligatory crepe, lobster roll or gelato after you try on their dresses.
And if you plan on wearing a Cora dress while attending an event that I'm attending, for heaven's sake - contact me first so we can coordinate!
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.
Banana Republic meets Virgin America
It's always good to take note of how other industries work through the creative and strategic process. This video is a perfect example. Virgin America teamed up with Banana Republic to refresh Virgin America's 4+ year old uniforms. In the video, we see the strategic thinking behind the process. The design team is given the task to create within a very specific set of parameters - uniforms that are stylish, comfortable, instantly recognizable as the Virgin America brand and are modern but classic enough to remain relevant years from now. They also need to factor in how the wearer will experience the outfit going through security or how the outfit will look on various body types. And through all this, need to make sure the outfits retain some of Banana Republic's character. Naturally, there were post-its involved.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdI-XBgJLqE&w=560&h=315]
Street Fashion Candids: Herald Square, Sweatpants-chic
It's been a long while since I took my Canon 40D out for a stroll and captured the styles of New York so for the next few days I'll post what I find. Now if only I could afford to get the 5D Mark II and upgrade my photos.
