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!
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?
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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...
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).
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.
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.
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!)
Bananas! Remember this?
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).
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.
