I'm off to London on holiday, here's what I would pack - don't you love the striped dress? I wish I really had that in my closet!
Have you been to London? What did you wear there?
London: What to Pack
Boston: Neiman Marcus, Forevermark by Maria Canale
I was delighted to capture the spirit of Neiman Marcus's Forevermark Diamond Collection designed by Maria Canale. With over 30 years of design experience, 20 of which was spent designing for Tiffany & Co., Canale has created many remarkable and recognizable collections. Needless to say, she is no stranger to 'romancing the stone'.
Luxurious is an understatement for these elegant and BRILLIANT baubles, but the true mark of a good diamond is where it comes from. Forevermark diamonds are sourced responsibly under fair practices from a small number of mines located in various countries including Botswana, where I grew up!
The line of rings, necklaces and earrings is the first collaboration between Canale and Forevermark for Neiman Marcus. Join me, along with Corinne Grousbeck, Katherine Chapman, Laura Rehnert, Gwenn Snider, Jeannie Blasberg and more for a night of champagne and diamonds galore!
Models are Adriana and Claire who I last photographed at Zac Posen!
Boston: MFA: Tracy Aiguier
Since moving to Boston last year and shooting at Boston Fashion Week, I've wanted to meet fashion photographer Tracy Aiguier, who I'd heard so much about. Yesterday, I was lucky to meet her at the Museum of Fine Arts for her fashion photography demonstration.
Tracy went through a series of four fashion shoots with models Sherika Pitsch and Nicole Hoehle, with makeup and hair by Mariolga Pantazopoulos, and was assisted by photographer Feda Eid. All the looks sported were from the School of Fashion Design - we loved the LBD with the pockets designed by the model who sported the look herself!
Lighting techniques varied from soft boxes to a massive parabolic to some back lighting to enhance the clothing's texture and detail. Tracy also invited volunteers to come up and try their hand at a few shots (and with some persuading from Lei Ann, I did - thank you Lei Ann (on duty) for capturing me in action!)
It was so nice to hear Tracy speak about her love for fashion and photography, how some things have changed in the industry with the rise of digital formats (cameras, iPhones, Instagram), young people who shoot for free and how sometimes it doesn't matter how you get the shot as long as you get it, which is something I believe in, myself.
It was a terrific demo at the MFA, thanks Tracy! And it was nice to see some familiar faces like Jay Calderin, Eric Levin, and to hang out with friends Lei Ann, Nicolle and Helena.
Tracy Aiguier will be doing another fashion photography demo on Wednesday November 14 from 5:30pm-8pm at the Druker Family Pavilion, and if you're going to the MFA, be sure to check out the Mario Testino exhibit while you're there!
Jay Calderin takes a photo of the team for this.
Boston: MFA: Mario Testino
I am BEYOND thrilled about Mario Testino's exhibits "In Your Face" and "British Royal Portraits" at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts! I have been a fan of this Vogue and Vanitfy Fair photographer for so long that I couldn't even believe this exhibit was in town. When I was invited to go to the press preview yesterday, I was blown away, so thank you Sami for bringing me along! Sami, Lei Ann and I had a spot of tea beforehand to get into the spirit of things.
"In Your Face" is provocative, rich, seductive, inspiring, elegant and iconic all at once, a feast for the senses. Even the installation itself, with the subtle emanation of light around each photo frame against the teal blue wall, creates an engaging "window" for us to peek into. It's visually appealing, shameless yet compelling. Each photograph is more surreal than the last; the next more aesthetically pleasing than even possible!
Testino's work spanning 30 years, is a showcase of celebrities and models and offers us a glimpse into their world, but doesn't stop there, sometimes revealing the most daring and private of encounters, all blatantly exposed in celebration of beauty and fashion.
In contrast there are the "British Royal Portraits" a complete juxtaposition of worlds. Here we have the very private lives of the Royal Family presented in a touching, classy and completely honorable manner. It is perhaps one of the most striking exhibits I've ever encountered, for these are a few of the most famous images the world has ever seen. Quite literally took my breath away.
To experience such a rich, contemporary and CURRENT photography exhibit as Testino's is a chance of a lifetime. It was truly an honor listening to him speak a few feet away and then to meet him after? I can't even.....
Thank you to Malcolm Rogers, Karen Frascona, Anne Havinga, Julie Frey and everyone at the MFA Boston who've made this exhibit possible!
"Mario Testino: In Your Face", Ann and Graham Gund Gallery from October 21, 2012, to February 3, 2013
"Mario Testino: British Royal Portraits", Herb Ritts Gallery from October 21, 2012, to June 16, 2013
Renata taking a photo!
MFA Curator Anne Havinga giving an interview in front of "Karlie Kloss, Bao Bao Wan & Shaolin Monks, Beijing, 2011, American Vogue"
L: Louise Pederson & Adam Senn, Los Angeles, 2002, Gucci Spring/Summer 03 | R: Kate Moss, London, 2011, British Vogue
Gemma Ward, Los angeles, 2004, Vogue Paris
Hana Soukupova, Los Angeles, 2003, Gucci Spring/Summer 04 | Carolyn Murphy, Cap d'Antibes, 1999, American Vogue | Brad Pitt, Prague, 2007, V magazine
Madonna, Miami, 1998, Ray of Light Album
Patricia Schmid, London, 2005, British Vogue | Lady Gaga, New York, 2009, V magazine
Angelina Jolie, Los Angeles, 2004, Allure | Lara Stone, Paris, 2007, British Vogue
Diana, Princess of Wales, London, 1997, Vanity Fair
TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Engagement Portrait | TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Official Engagement Portrait
HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2004, Personal Work
HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2005, 21st Birthday Portrait
Mario Testino during his Q&A segment, my favorite part was when he compared being a photographer to being a cowboy and having to draw the "gun at a speed where you don't die", reminiscing about his time on the bus with his friend growing up, when he (who'd always sit by the window) would see something fly by and nudge his friend, but by the time his friend looked, the moment was gone.
Mario Testino with Helena (L) and Ben (R)
Mario Testino with Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
NYC: Paul Mayer Spring 2013
While in NYC a few days ago, I got to take in Paul Mayer's Spring 2013 collection of cuter than cute ballet flats and sneaker style shoes, all in Mayer's signature soft and flexible leathers with adorale prints and cut-outs, some with adjustable bows (love!).
Meeting Paul was a highlight, and tasting his delicious "Titou's Gazpacho" was a true delight; the recipe of which is also available in his latest lookbook, that combines the designer's pretty shoes with his own recipes!
If I'd had more time, I could have spent the rest of the day there!
"Our shoes are modern classics. They’re an addiction. They are truly forever timeless."
----Paul Mayer
BFW 2012: The Launch, Mark Cordell, Emily Muller, Candice Wu
Here's a recap of Sundays shows at Boston Fashion Week's The Tent.
All photographs by Amy Connolly for Hogger & Co.
The Launch:
The Launch showcases up-n-coming local fashion design graduates who have been selected as the "new designer to watch". This year, the designers selected were Achk Kombana, Jennifer Miller, Danielle Fernandes, Rei Hyun Lee and Tatiana Cuevo, each with very unique styles.
Achk Kombana
Jennifer Miller
Danielle Fernandes
Rei Hyun Lee
Tatiana Cuevo
Mark Cordell
Next up was Mark Cordell's Tru Fiction collection: edgy and rebellious and with lips painted in half smiles reminescent of the Joker. Playful, daring and androgneous.
Emily Muller
Emily Muller is another designer I met here, and her collection is ultra feminine, flowy and beautiful.
Candice Wu
With hair piled high in birds nests, the models rocked the runway in leather, chains, a bit of tweed and a sprinkling of badass.
BFW 2012: Maria Victoria
I first met Victoria Dominguez-Bagu of Maria Victoria Designs at a night of style for Zoora, and fell in love with her simple yet chic and wearable styles, since. Bagu's show at Boston Fashion Week was no different, the upbeat vibe of the collection, with patterns, stripes and golds inspired by the "sunsets at sea" paired beautifully with jewelry by Magdalena Stokalska.
First, play this tune (although it doesn't do any justice to DJ Mario's beats that evening!), and then, scroll through the photos imagining yourself on the ocean on a beautiful summer's eve...
BFW 2012: Luke Aaron
By far, the most glamorous and magical of all the shows I attended at Boston Fashion Week. Luke Aaron started off with pretty and ended with ethereal. Pleated peplums, cinched waists and flattering muted florals in chiffon and tulle, the entire show was an ode to old-fashioned elegance without being stuffy. Gowns were draped into orgiami shapes (the collection was inspired by the arts of Japan) and pleated into flattering silhouettes. Adding to that was the debut of Aaron's Fleet Street bag, a well-structured and lady-like accessory.
Certainly, Luke Aaron is one to keep your "peacock eye" on.
Scroll down for more, including Jay Calderin, Founder of Boston Fashion Week with Boston darling Marilyn Riseman. Directors of Dynasty Modelling Agency, Joe and Gin Freeman were also in attendance.
A highlight for me was chatting with Marilyn, Jane Conway Caspe and Elisha Daniels before the show and I'm so flattered that they loved the way my hair was styled that night! (thanks to Sarah for the Instagram; and who's also caught in the last photo).
BFW 2012: Avni
Avni's SS2013 collection was inspired by purity and spirtuality and the philosophies behind designer Hussein Chalayan's work. The show started with a dramatic drum performance, which may have been intended to take place during the runway show, had the tent been bigger. Avni showcased lots of neutral, layered pieces in silks, cottons and satins with styling by Christina K. Pierce adding an element of the designer's Indian roots, with forehead jewelry pieces and bindis. Once again, we see braids, this time long and over the shoulder.
BFW 2012: Grace Kim, gKIM Studio
Grace Kim showed prowess in her gKIM Studio RTW collection of clean and contemporary silhouettes. The runway show, complete with 1930s inspired blonde wigs, showcased lightweight frocks and swing coats; all classic looks with modern finesses that could be worn by a current day Ginger Rogers. To that, I say, well done Grace Kim!
Here, some of my favorites.
In Memory: My Dad, the Style Icon
25 years ago, today, my Father passed away.
To celebrate his life, I want to share some of his magnificent style. I've shown you some of his tailoring before, but what you may not know is that he was an architect, an interior designer and a photographer. He loved tailoring his own clothes and keeping on trend with menswear as well as hair styles.
Here are some memories of him, but let's not forget my gorgeous Mom who's not to shabby herself! The cutie at the end is my sister (aww!)
NYFW: SEEN: Rachel Zoe
Bananas! Remember this?
NYFW Bibhu Mohapatra SS2013
I am a huge fan of Bibhu's, from the first time meeting him to February's New York Fashion Week and to SS2013, he just keeps getting better! Love the cuts of the beautiful dresses and how flattering it appears for a woman's body.
The hair just tied everything together (braids, again!) and LOVED the little green marks at the base of the neck!
Here are my favorites from his show and a little backstage visit afterwards (with my new friends Anjali - who really needs to start a blog - and Marlene, the Fashionable Dentist).
BFW 2012: Firas Yousif
Thanks to Amy, who's been covering some of Boston Fashion Week for Hogger & Co., we get up close and personal with Firas Yousif and his cocktail frocks to asian-inspired dresses to bridal gowns! Happy to see the gorgeous Jane Conway Caspe make an appearance on the runway, looking glamorous as ever, just like she did at the Zac Posen appearance at Neimans last year.
BFW 2012: Sam Mendoza
Last night in Boston, the first set of runway shows at the tent at the Mandarin Hotel in Boston took place and I was happy to have Amy Connolly from Creative Soul Spectrum cover the shows for me. (We recently met Amy in a Style Profile, here).
Mendoza's show sporting casual yet chic neutrals with flouncy skirts and heads piled high in braids (which we saw a lot of at NYFW) took to the stage. Visit CSSpectrum for more Boston Fashion Week coverage of Mendoza's show and thank you Amy for shooting for Hogger & Co.!
Boston: Neiman Marcus, CUSP Launch
Neiman Marcus recently launched CUSP, at Copley Place. All of Neiman Marcus' contemporary departments have been revamped into modern, young and hip sections within each store. Carrying designers such as Alice + Olivia, DVF, Rag & Bone, A. L. C., Theory and Alexander Wang, to name a few, the concept is to provide a boutique feel that's fresh and updated.
Last week's launch was hosted by three of Boston's fashionable bloggers, Lissy (A Girl in Boston), Lani (Mon Petite Chou Chou) and Erika (Radiant Republic). Each of them styled a model in three different looks but it was at time easy to pick out who styled who. I was pleased to capture the festivities!
Hair styling by Jeffrey Lyle Salon // Catering by Broadway Gourmet // Models: Marie Wu, Jessica Clements, Olivia Guiny, Sarah Hodge, Kara Benghanem // DJ - Liz Ladoux
In keeping with the fresh new concept, it was recently announced that NM is looking for A Blogger on the CUSP, are you the one?
BFW: Christina K. Pierce Shows
Last night in Boston Christina K. Pierce put on an amazing evening of runway shows, featuring a presentation by Shape of Birds and runway shows by Launch by Susan Young (who we met earlier at New York Fashion week), Ruch Designs and Lily and Migs.
It was a hugely successful event and more can be seen on my Instagram feed here (@hoggerandco)!
Thank you for the invitation Christina and congrats to everyone involved, for starting Boston Fashion week off with a bang!
NYFW Made in NY: Launch By Susan Young
Rooftop fashion show? Where do I sign up? Thanks to Christina K. Pierce, I had the opportunity to check out the fabulous Launch by Susan Young after this happened. Christina is a stylist extraordinaire and the mastermind behind Christina K. Pierce a Boutique Fashion Agency on Newbury in Boston.
Come join us for an evening of splendor atop the beautiful Empire Hotel Rooftop in NYC, with high profile guests including Boston's own Marilyn Riseman whom we've met before and former Real Housewives of New York City stars Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen.
Models: Tia, Kyra, Michaela, Laura, Fiona, Elena, Emily, Jaylee, Alexandra Elena B. // Jewelry by Mira Sadi of Ottomon Chic // Handbags by Jacki Easlick // Alice Alan Shoes
Tonight for Boston Fashion Week Christina K. Pierce is presenting an evening of runway shows featuring Launch by Susan Young, Lily & Migs, Ruch Designs, and Shape of Birds!
Boston: Neiman Marcus, Gemma Kahng
I was thrilled to photograph Gemma Kahng's appearance at Neiman Marcus in Boston last night. What a fabulous lady she is! It's the second coming for this incredible designer, and I am so happy for her!
Join me for an evening of glitz and glamour as only Neiman Marcus can do...
Maggie Inc. Models Jade + Shaina
Catering by Broadway Gourmet
NYFW Joy Cioci, Emerson, Carlos Miele, Badgley Mischka
Here's a round up of some of my favorite looks from Joy Cioci, Emerson, Carlos Miele and Badgley Mischka.
Joy Cioci's ode to a 20s summer had pearl-encrusted swim caps, sea-salted nails and beautiful blues making me look forward to Spring.
We saw a lot of braids at the shows this season...and Emerson had some of the best, lying low on the forehead, and created by Zahir Ziani. Jackie Fraser-Swan's inspiration was 70s horror films, with the black and white ensembles balanced out with softer floral pieces and touches of red like the finale's burst of red confetti, Carrie-stylez. Dancing With The Stars' Maksim Chmerkovskiy was there, as were other recognizable celebs: Crystal Reed (Teen Wolf) and Johnny Wujek (ANTM creative director).
You know how much I love a good print, and Carlos Miele delivered. Paula Abdul, Vanessa Williams and Daisy Fuentes are fans. (It was also fun to see Joy Adaeze in front of me) always with cool headgear and go backstage after the show.
I may have been slightly more excited to spot Bryanboy (and Kelly Bensimon, who I photographed backstage at Alice + Olivia, Ivana Trump, Lauren Conrad, Kevin Jonas) in front row than to pay attention to the beauty of Badgley Mischka. That's until the show started, and then their romantic “Midsummer Night’s Dream” inspired collection had a lot of beautiful pieces that took my breath away, namely the final coral layered organza number....what a dream. Remember when this happened?
