Boston: Neiman Marcus, AnaMaria Pimental for SPRING!

Is it Spring, yet? Honestly, we're so close, yet so far.

At Neiman Marcus, at least, Spring was in the air, thanks to AnaMaria Pimental who is Neiman Marcus's Fashion Accessories Director. I was invited to photograph her colorful fashion presentation on all the trends coming up this season.

So, what's hot? Blues and oranges! As is, "relaxed chic" all the way down to a studded-toe Miu Miu sneaker!  Also, prints are here to stay, which is good because I'm always a fan of a good dose of flowers.

Some of the highlights included this Judith Leiber William Crystal Frog purse, Charlotte Olympia shoes (the likes of which we've already raved about here) especially the Eiffel Tower sandals and the cute cat-face slippers. So, hooray for a range of flats and heels (like these amazing Alexander McQueen studded booties) for Spring.

And I picked up a fun styling tip for carrying a scarf: wrap it around the handle of your bag (as was done over this beautiful Nancy Gonzalez bag) making it look stylish and also easy to carry.

My favorite had to be this Alice + Olivia's embroidered jacket! How stunning, right? Styled with beautiful jewelry designed by Dina Mackney, the jacket looks polished and colorful!

So, come in from the cold and look ahead to a fashionable Spring with AnaMaria's cheery presentation of pretty looks on the always gorgeous Maggie models: Marie, Lauren, Marta and Amber.

Also, Roger Daltrey from The Who barely escaped my lens as he shopped! Thanks to Elizabeth for pointing him out to me, and to Lei Ann for capturing my photographer's stance!

What are you most looking forward to wearing this Spring?

Boston: Neiman Marcus, CUSP Preview Party!

I've been meaning to try Bar Method for over a year now. No, really. I meant to join a few of my favorite Boston bloggers at the studio in Boston, and never did, and now they're at Level 2, and I've still been meaing to go.

So, I was definitely excited to meet Bar Method Boston owner McKenzie Howarth at the Neiman Marcus CUSP Preview party and see some of the demos first hand!

Along with amazing Kate Somerville's Dermalquench facials, Estee Lauder spring make-overs and music by DJ Liz Ladoux, McKenize and Adrian demonstrated many a bar method move, making each look effortless and elegant.

They were even giving away passes to a MONTH of free classes! I think everyone who was at the CUSP party was inspired by them and (like me) immediately considering signing up for a class the next day.

In fact, I really am going tomorrow. I WON a month of free classes! I'm nervous. Wish me luck!

Have you tried Bar Method?

Boston Ballet: All Kylián

All Kylián is one of the most moving ballets I've ever seen. I was excited to attend opening night on Thursday and happy that Anna was able to join me at the Opera House! The last time I was there was for this magical production by the Boston Ballet!

The show is comprised of three pieces which are now being performed for the first time by an American company, the Boston Ballet. The choreography is by world-renowned choreographer Jiří Kylián, and I was amazed by the incredible beauty and epic strength of the dancers in executing the most complicated to minute movements to an enigmatic score.

Full of allegory, beauty and strength, the first piece: Wings of Wax opens with a giant overturned hanging tree and a single rotating light over the cast of eight dancers. Their simple costumes made it easy to notice all the subtleties in their dance movements. I literally was holding my breath during this entire piece. It was so moving.

Tar and Feathers set the tone with a beautiful piano accompaniment by Japanese pianist Tomoko Mukaiyama, playing from a grand piano elevated 10 feet above the stage. The whole piece is puncuated by Jiří Kylián himself, asking "what is the word" resulting in a most amusing and breathtaking choreography of quick movements and repetitive gestures. This piece was my favorite!

The Symphony of Psalms, first choreographed in 1978 is set to a luscious backdrop of several Persian rugs hung from the rafters. The dancers exude elegance, power and poise throughout, and it's mesmerizing to watch.

As photography is not allowed, I am sharing some images (by Rosalie O'Connor) courtesy of the Boston Ballet, however, I did manage to Instagram curtain call and the interior of the beautiful Boston Opera.

All Kylián is playing at The Boston Opera House until March 17, 2013, for tickets please visit: http://boxoffice.bostonballet.org

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Beauty Event Kickoff PARTY!

Neiman Marcus sure knows how to throw a party!

Last Thursday night's festivities to kick off the Beauty Event of the season was no exception.

Hosted by the amazing Katie Boyd of Miss Fit Gym, she was joined by the beautiful Miss Massachusetts, Miss Teen Massachusetts and Miss New Hampshire.  Sterling Williams of Chanel created magic with his super team, and the gorgeous "belles" of Honeybelle Body Buffer Nancy Donahue and Susan Pasanen were there for a night of beauty.

Top ALL of that off with overflowing champagne?? That's a party!

And I was happy to capture all of it...

Neiman Marcus's Beauty Event is on until March 3 2013!

NYFW Brandon Sun FW 2013

Last year at Brandon Sun's Spring presentation, I fell in love with all of the soft furs and flowy chiffon in greys and white.

This season, I was unable to attend due to the weather, but thanks to Anjali and Rohina, the shows were covered for Hogger & Co.

Here's Rohina's take on Brandon Sun's FW 2013 Collection:

Just got back from an amazing short trip to NYC. The show started really early in the morning which was perfect since I am a morning person. Got ready and took a New York cab to the Lincoln center. It was really nice to see the Mercedes Benz Fashion week sign. Since it was my first fashion show, I was overly excited. Thanks to Hogger & Co. we were able to attend the Brandon Sun presentation. As we entered the room the models were standing like statues. It was breathtaking. It was like an art museum. The press was surrounding the artwork, snapping away. All the pieces were on the darker scale; shades of grays, dark blues, dark green and black with touches of white. Uses of fur and velvet, silks and leather. Such an amazing and beautiful presentation.

Thanks Rohina!

NYFW Herve Leger FW 2013

I was so excited to have been invited to shoot backstage and runway at Herve Leger this season, however I was prevented from going to NYC because of THIS, so Anjali was gracious enough to cover backstage and runway for me, last minute! Thanks girl :)

It looked like a GORGEOUS SHOW with many celeb sighted with designers Max Azria and Lubov Azria including Petra Nemcova, Coco Rocha, Miss USA and Russell Simmons!

Here's what Anjali thought of the show:

PeTA beware, fur is definitely back in 2013.  After seeing a few fashion shows for FW 2013, one trend I definitely see is bold leather and fur.  Herve Leger's futuristic FW collection seems what a retro collection in the year 2030 would look like.  Modern materials with intricate embroidery and different prints in body hugging cuts seem to reign supreme. The leather cutouts are layered on top of fine knits and add a textural appealing quality. Black caps are used as accessories to give some of the fine quality garments a harder edge. In this collection, the attention is definitely in the details.

Thanks again Anjali! :)

NYFW Candela FW 2013 RTW

Candela's FW 2013 RTW presentation took place recently, and Anjali who lives in NYC was there covering for me. We were both at the Spring presentation last year.

Here's what she said:

The themes for this collection seem to be a blend of country chic and the roaring twenties. The romantic feel of some of the designs transport me to the time of the Great Gatsby. The flapper like dresses with bugle beads and sequins are a definite hit as are the long silk gown in a perfect shade of peach with a low sequined back. The deer sweater with fur collar mixed with the finely knit cashmere lace skirt show that the two can be combined. There are juxtapositions of hard and soft mixed together as with the black leather motorcycle jackets and flowy lace sheer skirts. The presentation made me feel like I was walking through an artist's studio as models became the subject of paintings. In this case, the fashion was the muse not the models.

 

NYFW BCBG Max Azria FW 2013

I am so grateful that Anjali Patel covered some of FW for me this season as I couldn't make it to NYC this month, first because of my schedule, then because of Nemo!

I first met Anjali at Fashion Week last September (when we both asked each other for photographs with Vanessa Williams after the Carlos Miele show) and I knew she'd have fun covering backstage (Miss USA was there!) and runway for Hogger & Co.

Thanks Anjali!

Here's what she had to say about BCBG Max Azria Fall and Winter Collection:

Bon Chic, Bon Genre.  I think the word to define BCBG FW 2013 collection would be attitude, as in an edgy  attitude.  The only thing soft about this collection is the fur.  Lace mixed with knit sweaters and caps are draped with bold and bright animal print fur to create a luxury bohemian look.  I really like the heels with leather leggings and steel toes to create a sexy open toe boot look.  The leather has a masculine aesthetic but the cut and stitching combinations are very feminine.  For those that are looking for a non snow bunny look next Fall, BCBG has several choices for you.  The FW collection color palette ranges from pure white (even after Labor Day) to deep purple and blues.  I see this as a collection of contrasts: leather and lace, white and dark, fur and sheer silk.  Asymmetrical skirts show just enough skin but balance the outfit.

NYFW Candela SS2013 RTW

I'm such a huge fan of Candela...everything is bohemian and playful, demure and sweet.

Don't you want these beautiful head of braids and those SHOES?

It was nice to see Candela designer Gabriela Perezutti and Ken Downing, the Senior Vice President and Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus.

Here a look at SPRING, at the Candela RTW SS2013 Presentation...

NYFW Brandon Sun

Looking back today on Brandon Sun's immaculate SS2013 RTW presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Animal prints with beautiful, luscious fur. Sexy, flowy gowns mixed with pencil skirts and sculptured accents. Draped, yet structured and impecably tailored.

I want it all.

My Beauty Must-Haves!

Can we talk about skincare and make-up today?

l've always had problem skin for as long as I can remember. I even had a love-affair with Proactiv for a while, which lasted about six months and then started to irritate my face.

After trying PH balanced products (like La Roche-Posay's Effaclar) the glycolic acid toners like Murad's Clarifying Toner and spending from $5 on scrubs to $100 on treatments, I discovered Boscia.

It's working, you guys.

So, I put together my beauty must-haves, the things I can't do without, from cleansing, to minimal make-up to a full face for a night on the town.

I LOVE Boscia's clear complexion kit because I have sensitive skin that breaks out easily. The kit has been wonderful; it includes the cleanser that you use to wash your face, followed by the spray tonic, then the treatment and finally the moisturizer. I've found it doesn't irritate my skin and has a mild, clean scent.

So after I used that, I of course, wanted to try everything else Boscia had to offer, and absolutely LOVE the black mask - not only is it so fun to peel off, but it really tightens and tones.

On occasion I like to use the Boscia clarifying detox mask, which is a clay mask that I found really took care of excess oil, which was great for my T-zone.

My favorite primer to use is Laura Mercier's Hydrating primer which is water based, not oil based. The oil-free formula didn't feel as good as this on my face.

After this, I like to use a little bit of concealer under my eyes and problem spots. I have tried a. lot. of. concealers. My go-to now, is Dior's Nude, in Honey. Goes on light but stays put and doesn't feel greasy or cakey.

Next, for full foundation coverage for parties and such, I recently discovered (thanks to my sister) MAC's Matchmaster SPF foundation. It glides on easily, blending easily, stays matte all day. I wear it in 6. The SPF coverage is a bonus.

To apply foundation, I use Cynthia Rowley's Beauty Blender, which I found at Marshalls for $5.99! You can find many variations of it at Target and online, and it looks like this. Makes blending a breeze.

For blush I absolutely love NARS in Torrid. Two of my besties use the same shade and we are all very different in skin tones. It's a pretty shade which I think works for winter and summer.

As an all-over powder, I like MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium. I apply it using a great buffing brush from Eco Tools.

If I do a highlighter for my high cheek bones (or lack thereof) I adore MAC's Gana Frost which was a limited edition when Mickey Contractor (Bollywood's most sought-after makeup artist) did a line with MAC. I also like Benefit's High Beam.

For eye make-up, when I do a cat-eye, I rely on Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner - it's waterproof, and really stays put!).

For a smudgy smokey eye, I love using Urban Decays eye liners. They're all so beautiful.

Dior's SHOW is the.best.mascara. I've ever used. Makes my lashes look really long, and doesn't clump.

If I do eyeshadow, I prime my lids first, with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It's so easy to apply, just a dot on each lid really helps shadows stay put.

And if I'm going for a really dramatic evening look and want to darken my brows, Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil is my go-to for a fuller brow. Love having a brush with it!

Can we talk lipsticks for a second? What are your faves? I've recently fallen for MAC's Party Line, perfect for a Wintery look.

After all the fun and games, if washing my face doesn't do it, and even if it does, I go to Korres. LOOOOOVE KORRES!! These wipes work really well and smell so refreshing. And the Pomegranate Toner really picks up dirt and makeup but feels gentle and doesn't dry my skin.

TELL ME, what are some of your beauty-faves?

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Longchamp

Neiman Marcus recently celebrated the launch of their Longchamp shop with festivities hosted by Lani. I was honored to be asked to photograph all the fun and fancy; easy to do when surrounded by luscious bags, macarons and champagne! Lucky Mariah won the Veau Foulonne tote in Fall's much sought after shade...take a look...Join me at the Longchamp party!

London: What to Pack

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 by hoggerandco featuring straight jeans

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).