Boston: Meet a Model: Briahna Gilbert

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I'm really looking forward to Fall, it's my favorite season, especially in Boston. There's something about the crisp air that has you having to throw on a few layers!

We shot this fall editorial under the Zakim Bridge in Cambridge with GREY being our inspiration, a bright plum on the lips to brighten up a grey day and of course, fall isn't fall without a fantastic jacket...

Modeled by Briahna Gilbert of Model Club // Shot on location under the Zakim Bridge in Cambridge, MA by Hogger & Co. // Styled by Tara West Fashion // Makeup up and Hair by Carmina

Boston: Meet a Model: Briahna Gilbert, Teaser

Just a teaser of a shoot of Briahna Gilbert of Model Club in Boston. I was fortunate to work with an amazing team on this editorial: Tara West of Tara West Fashion and Carmina of Makeup By Carmina.

Our inspiration was fall's neutrals, lots of layers and a plum lip to brighten up those grey days.

More to come...

Shot on location under the Zakim Bridge, Boston, MA.

Boston: Meet a Model: Elizabeth Bennett

I love working with artists on interesting concepts and creative new content and so, I teamed up with Kashmir Asvaraksh for this MODERN Kabuki inspired shoot, with TBW (The Beauty Within) model Elizabeth Bennett.

The focus was the origami-esque hair and color spash of makeup....

Shot on location at Viselli Santoro Salon, in Boston, MA

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: Ms Fit For Society

The lovely ladies behind Ms Fit for Society hosted a fashionable presentation combined with a fitness demonstration at SAKS Boston, perfectly timed for summer and for May's American Stroke Month.

Ms Fit's own Jessica Diaz, a recent stroke survivor, spoke about her experience and introduced us to her neurologist, Massachusetts General Hospital's Dr. Natalie Rost. Learn more about strokes and especially how to spot one.

Of course, the show made for a very tempting invitation to shop afterwards, all for a great cause, with 10% of proceeds going to the American Stroke Association.

Once again, DJ Mario Papathanasiou spun the night away, while Nathan Alan and Danielle Noel of Blo Salon worked their magic over the lovely Maggie Inc. Models....

Boston: Neiman Marcus, 30 Years of In Circle

Neiman Marcus recently celebrated the 30th Anniversary of its InCircle loyalty program with an evening of fashion, cocktails and LIVE art by local artist Amy Kaufman. Amy wowed the crowd with the artful strokes of her brush, while cocktails were served in this season's favorite color: pink.

Neiman Marcus Style Advisor Dave Chen styled twenty-eight looks in a Spring and Summer fashion presentation featuring all of the trends for this season. Of course, no Neiman Marcus extravaganza is complete without delectable treats! Thanks to East Meets West Catering and Georgetown Cupcake, Spring continued right onto the plates! Music beats provided by the talented Scott Arrington of Murray Hill Talent.

Let's see what SPRING has in store...

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: Tabitha Simmons

It's always an honor to photograph a designer and Tabitha Simmons, Vogue contributing editor, shoe designer and British Fashion Award winner, was especially lovely at Saks Fifth Avenue, Boston. Very gracious, warm and approachable. I loved that while she was meeting fans, mingling and signing her fabulous Bonais or Haydens she was also taking iPhone photos to Instagram later!

The atmosphere had a bit of British influence with beats spun by ESC Music Design/Mario Papathanasiou and a sumptious afternoon tea catered by Capers Catering.

But let's not forget about the fabulous shoes....

Boston: Marilyn Riseman

"I don’t put up with people I don’t like. I don’t want their energy. It’s the good energy you want to have around you. I want to have fun, and don’t have any time to worry about the rest of it." - Marilyn Riseman

My husband and I had the good fortune to meet and talk with Marilyn Riseman on several occasions over the last two years of living in Boston.

The first time was when I photographed her at Zac Posen's fashion appearance at Neiman Marcus. Her effervescent prescence and signature look lit up my lens as she did the entire room!

The next time we saw her was at The Clarendon's penthouse suite for the launch party of the new Ann Taylor store at the Prudential. She was such a gracious lady who always remembered both of us (and our jobs!) and always had a welcoming smile and fun disposition and she never minded being photographed!

At the Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York City for New York Fashion Week.

Another highlight for me was at the Luke Aaron show at Boston Fashion Week, where I had the chance to talk with Marilyn, Jane Conway Caspe and Elisha Daniels.

Marilyn Riseman with Boston Fashion Week Founder Jay Calderin.

Warm, witty, classy and charming, Marilyn Riseman, you will be missed.

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Beauty with Katie Boyd

With award season upon us, Neiman Marcus is getting you RED CARPET READY along with Katie Boyd (who was celebrating her birthday) of Miss Fit Club and special guests Miss Massachusetts, Miss Maine, Miss Maine Teen, Miss New Hampshire and Miss New Hampshire Teen.

All of the latest trends for Spring in makeup were showcased with fashions styled by Neimans' own Style Advisor Dave Chen and modeled by Maggie Models's Genevieve, Abba, Amber and Melissa.

With music courtesty of DJ Liz Ladoux and cotton-candied cocktails served by snazzily dressed male models the only thing left to round the evening off, was a life-size golden statue, bringing the red carpet excitement to life!

Boston: Meet a Model: Danai Kadzere

I had the pleasure of photographing Danai Kadzere, who is not only a model, but an author, aspiring actor as well as Harvard student. Together with talented makeup artist and hair stylist Molly Leahy, we shot this fashion shoot on location in Cambridge, MA.

Boston: MiniLuxe

Above: Elizabeth in OPI's "Big Apple Red"

You've heard me rave about MiniLuxe before, but this time it was even more EPIC because I was with a group of lovely ladies organized by Janee, who I recently met and adore!

As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing better than spending a chilly winter evening in the warmth of MiniLuxe's spa-like atmosphere with a group of wonderful, smart and funny women, getting our nails did! Forget "selfie" as the word for 2013, I think it should be LADY DATE.

It was terrific to hang out with Janee, Elizabeth, Ana, Alaina, Molly and Emily. The proof is in the iPhone photos (this one below is from Alaina):

Of course we all selected varying shades of RED...'tis the season, afterall!

Above: Ana in OPI's Malaga Wine

Thank you once again to MiniLuxe for hosting all of us and for my lovely manicure.

For amazing recaps, check out Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard, So Alaina, Scavengenius, Wicked Cheap and Seagrass Studio.

Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker

It was an absolute dream to visit The Boston Ballet for a behind the scenes look at the new costumes and production opening on November 23.

What a marvel to view the craft and intricate handiwork of the costumes in the costume shop and speak to costume shop manager Charles Heightchew. 2,000 yards of net and tulle along with cottons, silks and linens were some of the materials used, with extensive hand painting (award-winning costume designer Robert Perdziola hand tipped every Sugar Plum and Snow Queen tutu with metallic paint) and jewels (as many as 200,000) individually sewn on with 3,600 jewels alone for the Sugar Plum's and Dew Drop's costumes.

The creative team wanted to keep the dancers' silhouettes streamlined and control the color palette in Act I in an early 19th century inspired way. Act II showcases a burst of color as we saw during the dress rehearsal, where the costumes were tested for the very first time.

Creative Director Mikko Nissinen tells us that the set design was inspired by "18th century Prague with the use of flats with everything hand-painted to incredible detail and resembling a puppet theatre". As the play goes on, layers of of the story unfold, irising out of one another.

Robert Perdziola on Mikko Nissinen:

"We needed a strong Captain and needed to abide by that. Mikko is the Captain!"

It was a magical day at the ballet; very Degas-esque for me! I can't wait for what promises to be an extravanganza of a production, the biggest show the Boston Ballet has built in over a decade!

The Nutcracker runs from November 23 - December 30 at the Boston Opera House. For tickets visit BostonBallet.org

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Ken Downing Gift Collection

This time of the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas, not only is it the perfect time for celebration and gift-giving, it's absolutely the occasion for all that jazz.

Neiman Marcus and Camp Harbor View together hosted a reception to preview a selection of Ken Downing holiday gifts, with 10% of the sales benefiting the HeART of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which supports art experiences for youth. Copley Place has selected the Arts Program at Camp Harbor View which is committed to sharing the art of drama, music and literature to youth from Boston's at-risk neighborhoods.

Boston's own Roberta and Stephen Weiner were the honored guests of the elegant evening filled with jazz, delectable treats, bubbly and of course, some of the most beautiful holiday gifts of the season..

Happy Thanksgiving!

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Project Beauty

We can ALWAYS use a few beauty tips, non? And what better way, than from the beauty experts of Chanel, La Mer and Trish McEvoy at Neiman Marcus?

Add to that champagne decorated with candied lips and fun beauty make-overs? That's exactly what the evening was all about...

Maggie Models, Abba, Genevieve, Lauren and Melissa

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: Designer Floor Launch

As a photographer I am always seeking to capture the beauty in everything and the grand opening for the newly remodeled designer floor at Saks Fifth Avenue was exactly that: beautiful.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by VP General Manager Gretchen Pace and Marketing Director Cara Fratto, who unveiled the myriad of luxury boutiques including Donna Karan, Alexander McQueen, Alaïa, Stella McCartney, Pucci, Givenchy, Céline, to name but a few.

Each of the luxury brand's aesthetics are reflected in the unique layout, lighting and interior design of each shop. Exquiste materials, some imported from Italy, are showstoppers themselves, notably the pink inlaid wood floor (designed by Stella McCartney herself), the luminescent onyx wall from the team at Céline, and the baroque moulding at Alexander McQueen.

Donna Karan herself raved about the newly designed floor when she was in town for the launch of her own in-store boutique.

Join me as I take you on the scenic route through a lil' bit of luxury brought to you in classic Saks Fifth Avenue fashion...

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: DONNA KARAN

I had the honor of meeting and photographing the iconic Donna Karan, thanks to commissioned coverage for Saks Fifth Avenue, this Fall. I was delighted to cover the opening reception party for her luxurious designer shop in the newly remodeled space for modern and contemporary fashion.

In grand company, Ms. Karan was welcomed by Stephen Sadove, CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, Gretchen Pace, VP General Manager, Jennifer De Winter, VP of Stores at Saks Fifth Avenue as well as other friends and guests.

To me, Donna Karan has always represented the modern woman; the strong woman. Her Fall 2013 collection is no different. Built upon her first stand-out collection of seven easy pieces and also influenced by her late husband Stephan Weiss' sculptures, the pieces are sensual and sculptural, working together by addition or subtraction.

Of course, I wore her clothes, and loved capturing the essence of the collection up close, each piece is beautiful, timeless and powerful, just like the woman herself...

NYFW: Alice + Olivia SS2014

Being at an Alice + Olivia NYFW presentation is like being in a candy store: everything is colorful, sweet, pretty and you want it all!

I'm so glad I was able to make the SS2014 show at the Highline in my 6 hours at fashion week this season.

As always, it was such a beautiful collection: preppy, girly and OH SO pretty.

Here, some of my faves with appearances by: Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kelly Bensimon, Johnny Weir, Dylan Lauren, Taylor Momsen, Kelly Rutherford, Taryn Manning, Aimee Song, Chloe Bridges, Sarah Hughes, Langley Fox, Louise Roe...

NYFW in a NEW YORK MINUTE: Marlon Gobel SS2014

"We Built This City"

The theme of the Marlon Gobel collection is the "cowboys of the sky", the ironworkers of the 20s where this type of work brought brave young men from Europe and Canada to New York, the capital of skyscrapers, to "build this city". Documented by photographer Lewis Hine in his series "men at work" he showcases men laboring on iron beams up in the air, for the construction of the Empire State building in 1930.

Such is the inspiration behind Marlon Gobel's Spring/Summer collection, and what better location to show than at NYC's Park Avenue Armory under an ironwork canopy?

I loved all the aeronylon blazers...I think I may have to borrow from the boys for this one...

NYFW in a NEW YORK MINUTE: The Tent

Between shows, the E!Online Fashion Police film their Style Network segments and it's nice to catch a glimpse of Joan Rivers. And once you do, you want to see all of them!

I also loved seeing ANTM Cycle 18 Winner Sophie Sumner, how adorable is she?

NYFW in a NEW YORK MINUTE: Pamella Roland SS2014

I was in NYC for less than 24 hours for Fashion Week this season, covering four shows in six hours.

There's nothing quite like the intoxicating buzz at fashion week: the crowds at Lincoln Center, the fashionistas posing for photos, the rush of the photographers, editors and pr from show to show, the adrenaline as a show begins, the squeak and anticipation of the protective film being pulled away from the runway surface....

Pamella Roland's SS2014 show began with lots of inspiration from the Cannes Film Festival in the 60s..lots of bold, vibrant and French Riviera colors: orange, pink, yellow with a bit of metallics and neutral black and ivory. The honeycomb beading was a stand out as was a stellar transparent vinyl trench coat...functional, yet fashionable. The highlight for me was sitting behind THE Nigel Barker, and thanks to D Dipasupil/Getty Images there's this. And if that wasn't awesome enough, Jay Manuel was also there.

Here, some of my faves....

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Fall Trends 2013

Neiman Marcus continued the Fall Trend Party (see part I, here) partnering up with Fashion Project for a fall fashion presentation by Andy Tabulina featuring gorgeous Maggie Models in all the trendy looks for the season: red as the new neutral, mini structured bags, and a little bit of borrowing from the boys.

There were couture cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes to be decorated with all the fall trends... I mean, who doesn't love a studded cupcake?

I especially loved meeting my friend Elizabeth's daughters who stopped by, and hanging out with the lovely ladies of the Fashion Project who gave away "do-goody" bags and spoke about their wonderful company.

Crowd fave DJ Liz Ladoux spun rocker chic tunes to get the party started....