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

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 Bill Cunningham

Everyone always gasps and picks up their cameras when they see the iconic blue jacket with Bill Cunningham in it, at fashion week.

I, was no different. Remember last time?

Miami: Big Hair and High Heels

Spotted on Lincoln Road, Miami, FL

Miami: Fontainbleau Hotel, Lapis Spa Products

We're so grateful to the Fontainbleau Hotel in Miami for generously donating a giant box of their luxurious Lapis Spa travel size shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions and soaps for us to give to the Nashua Soup Kitchen.

Our sincere and heartfelt thanks go out to the wonderful staff at the Fontainbleau for being so generous to our cause.

Boston: David Yurman at Lux Bond & Green + GIVEAWAY!

Last week, my sister, niece and I were excited to check out the unveiling of David Yurman's Fall 2012 Collection at Lux Bond & Green. The line will only be available for purchase in September, so it was nice to get a sneak peek. Thank you to Shauna, Sheryl, Trevor, Judy and Denise and everyone at Lux Bond & Green for the invitation and for graciously assisting us in trying out all the beautiful David Yurman jewellery!

It was lovely to see some of my favourite Boston Bloggers: Julie, Khatu, Lani and Hannah and I got to meet Amanda, Chelsea and Shauna's sister Kasey, for the first time, while we "tweeted" it up amongst champagne and cupcakes. Tweeting pays off people, look what Amanda and I won!

Thank you to my sis who took all the photos of me (in my favourite cobalt dress)!

I'm happy to announce that Lux Bond & Green would like to give one lucky reader of Hogger & Co. a $75 gift card for Lux Bond & Green!

To enter, simply follow the instructions below!

Contest ends at 12:01am EST Monday June 25, 2012 

A winner will be picked at random! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Anjolee Diamonds + How To

There's always so much inspiration on the www. Not surprisingly, Pinterest plays a huge roll in giving me my daily dose of inspiration. I came across this image and thought to try it out, myself! And with Anjolee Diamonds sending me beautiful studs, like these diamond stud earrings, I was ready to play a glam roll. Take a gander at Anjolee Jewelry; they make high-end custom jewelry like hoop earrings, and diamond tennis bracelets that add that extra something to any outfit or hairstyle.

Here's my how-to on getting your hair retro chic, and if you have bangs like me, don't worry about them falling out of the clip.

• BaByliss, GT Gold Titanium Straightener
• Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray
• Loreal's Elnett Satin Hairspray
• Goody Spin Pins
• Blingy-brooch-like hair clip from So Good Jewelry

Greece: Santorini, More Stripes

As seen in Santorini, stripes galore!

Disney World: What to Pack

I definitely pack a straw fedora whenever I can. It's perfectly suited for any summer vacation and goes well with anything from shorts to dresses. Speaking of shorts, these are coming with me!

Other vacation staples for me? Bright colours and comfy shoes. And, if you're looking for good vacation shoes, be sure to check out Clare's post. I also recommend these.

I'm off to Disney World but you can follow me via Instagram (hoggerandco) or Twitter, as I'll be using both while I'm there!

Disney World by hoggerandco featuring underwire bathing suits

Boston: SOWA Blogger Meetup

Location:

The South End Buttery + SOWA Market, Boston

I'm always up for any blogger meetup ops, or meet-ops, and one such opportunity arose when Elizabeth from Miami tweeted that she was going to be in Boston this past weekend. A glorious plan to meet on Sunday morning at the Southend Buttery, then head to the SOWA market, was born.

Here's how Anna, Natalie, Melissa, Elizabeth and I spent our Sunday morning. We even ran into Anne from Adjewelry who has a jewelry shop at SOWA. I purchased a pretty bracelet for my niece's upcoming birthday.

And thank you Anna for the following Instagram:

Here's the item I purchased for my niece from Anne's SOWA shop:

And here's Anne at SOWA (via Instagram)

Husbandswear IV: Colour

It's Spring so I'm checking in to see what my husband's wearing, again. I'm happy to report that it's colour!

Purple, what a royal and distinguished hue, and worn with grey, it's just a classic.

(Ben Sherman shirt, DKNY blazer, Calvin Klein tie)

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Savvy Chic

It's always a fabulous time at Neiman Marcus events, this time it was Savvy Chic, and the backdrop was whimsical and fun; the perfect setting for anyone who was feeling Savvy OR Chic.

Boston: Zoora Shoot!

We had a twirly good time shooting the Zoora Capsule Collection last week, here are some highlights.

Thank you Aubrie for having me capture this collection and Rachel, you were a treat to shoot!