Having access to Victoria Beckham's Spring 2017 show was a shock and an honor. Brooklyn and David snuck backstage post show and mingled quietly under the radar. Meanwhile, editors and buyers swarmed Victoria and anxiously waited for their chance to speak with her and interview her on her inspiration for this stunning velvet collection.
Sachin & Babi Spring 2017
Ballerinas in Sachin & Babi custom spring pieces and gowns that make me want to twirl around endlessly filled the three floor Fort Gansevoort in Meatpacking. The models were relaxed and had smiles from ear to ear as they put on their looks. Guests started filing in around 11, coming up to the designer duo congratulating them on a beautiful collection.
My photos can be seen on Sachin & Babi's Website and Sachin & Babi Instagram.
Monse Spring 2017 for T Magazine
Back shooting for T this NYFW season and I couldn't be more blessed. Monse was the perfect start to my fashion week. Red lip classic, sequins and a "de-constructed" runway and one small photographer attempting to yet again not fan girl out in front of Zosia Mamet.
Shauna Mei of TomboyKC
"Meeting artisans and helping them succeed is the most meaningful part of my work. I am inspired by the 100+ applications we receive each week. We work carefully to choose the very best, after vetting quality. Then we work with the designer to help them tell their story and have their creations really shine on AHA. " says Shauna in her TKC profile.
The store is located in a loft above a tiny grocery store in DUMBO. Candles, boxing gloves, yoga mats, artwork, plants and emoji leather stickers fill the white walls. In the back of the store is a door that leads to the office, which looks the same as the store but with more computers. Neon signs hang above the entrance. It's more of a communal space than an office. You feel inspired just standing in there. Shauna has made such a name for herself as a #girlboss in the industry.
For the interview on Shauna, check out TomboyKC
CLASSIC & SIMPLE for Jamie Chung
Jamie is always a doll to work with and is such a sweet friend. Haven't seeing each other in a while, it was a blast to catch up on everything from life to the bachelorette. This gorgeous rooftop had perfect white hydrangeas. They screamed photo op.
Check out the post on What the Chung
Kelly Olynyk at Franklin Park Zoo
Kelly is like a big kid. Watching him last week at The Franklin Park Zoo was such a treat. Kelly spent the day riding camels, taking selfies and snapchatting with the kids, feeding birds and doing many piggy back rides.
The children from Horizons for homeless were so grateful to spend the day at the zoo and were in awe of every animal. Plastered against the glass, the kids "oohed and awed," although when lunch time came I think they were thrilled for a break from the 90 degree weather.
You can check the article out Boston.com
Have Some Fun Today
I'm going to try to make it through this blog post without crying as I type...
Around end of June, my mom and I were sitting in the lobby for my regular 8 am appointment at Mass Eye and Ear. My mom turned to me and said, "I don't know if your going to be mad at me, but I did something." She gave me her phone and shared with me the below...an email she wrote to the company Have Some Fun Today.
Now in tears in the MEEI lobby, I was beyond touched of my mother's words. Later I spoke with Stephanie and the HSFT team and they have featured me, my story and journey on their blog. I am excited to have partnered with such an amazing group of people that truly do inspire each other and one another.
Check out my interview on the HSFT blog and if you are interested in purchasing the tank I am wearing, check it out here.
Coco Rocha for TomboyKC
Back shooting for TomboyKC in NYC is the highlight of my week.
Dream Downtown is my second home, so I was uber giddy about shooting the lovely Coco Rocha in the hotel's most fun and vibrant lobby.
Coco was fresh from her trip in Paris where she was walking in Jean Paul Gaultier. Black sleek jumpsuit and her Courtney Sweatshirt form her line CO+CO. Her BOTKIERxCOCOROCHA hybrid backpack-sling-bucket screamed practical New Yorker. My daily crossbody lacks the space for anything bigger than a memory card.
The Dream Beach was too swamped for photos mid day, not that it mattered because the lobby alone looks like 5 different locations.
I mean, a wall made of beer cans? Frat boy meets glamour chic. Definitely Instagram worthy.
For the full article check out TomboyKC.
PUMA Suede Behind the Scenes
I was hired by PUMA to capture behind the scenes photos, Boomerangs and Instagrams while also taking over their Snapchat account. Below are my stories and experience working with such an incredible brand and talent.
Rae Sremmurd had more energy than Red Bull mixed with Adderall. American hip hop duo, Khalif "Swae Lee" Brown and Aaquil "Slim Jimmi" Brown were open to me shooting anything and everything. The two were dancing on the streets of Brooklyn in their monochromatic tracksuits and chains.
Being in their presence was quite an experience. Things talked about and discussed I can't even express, but what I will say is ... this #SremmLife is not for everyone. The boys have clearly made a life for themselves doing what they love and living the life of Hollywood they always dreamed.
When I found out I was going to be on set with Kylie Jenner, my mouth dropped. To be a part of such an important shoot, not only with the talent but with a legendary street photographer, was incredible. Kylie is such a big force in the business. People care about what she does, what she wears and what she likes. I remember reading she started her lip kit because every time she went to buy a lipstick or gloss she loved it would be sold out after mentioning once she used it to anyone in the media. Word travels fast when Kylie's name is linked or involved in any way. With 60 mil Instagram followers, her opinion matters.
Professional and poised, KJ was perfect on set. She was totally on board with the concept and theme of the shoot. Kylie snapped from her trailer and posted photos (later that got a million likes) in her PUMA gear. She is perfect for the brand, not only because of her power as a K, innovator and creative, but her connection to the millennials through social media. People are already buzzing about the campaign before it launches because of a few teased images including PUMA nails. She was asked to put the logo on one nail, but Kylie wanted it on all her nails.
Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble showed up later on set, sporting PUMA's from the Fierce line, proving further her families dedication to the brand. KJ was cool, calm and collected. She was there to work. No complaints. Happy to be a part of such a strong lifestyle brand, Kylie was thrilled to be on set and it showed.
Yes Julz is by far the coolest badass chick there is. If you don't know the Snapchat queen, watch her interview on No Jumper now.
At first I felt nervous of out my mind. HOW WAS I GOING TO SNAPCHAT THE QUEEN OF SNAPCHAT HERSELF? She was super chill about it though. I spent the day in and out of her trailer as she freely discussed her current deals, plans, parties and upcoming partnerships. "I really need to stop crowd surfing," she says as she looks at all the bruises on her legs while getting made up.
She truly lives her motto "Never Not Working." Her mind never shuts down. She is constantly thinking, texting, writing notes and of course snapping.
She let me hang in the trailer and snap with her while she got ready, did her lashes and eyebrows, and listened to the new Drake album. By the end of this shoot, I knew every new song on "Views" and the lyrics to go with it.
Even by spending a couple hours with her I could tell she was a good person. She clearly cares about those around her, whether it be her charity work or her attention to detail for the artists she represents. Her energy was contagious. And to add the cherry on the day, she instagramed my photo and gave credit.
OUT NEXT
Four. The total number of how many times I cried during this two day event with Out Leadership.
It's hard to sum up the emotions, inspiration and initiatives discussed and felt during the conference, so instead I am going to list some of the quotes stated by speakers at the event.
Annise Parker, American politician and previous Mayor of Houston.
"Go to the edge of where you're comfortable and then take one more step."
"If you're not doing anything scary, you're not doing enough."
David Lawenda, Head of Global Marketing Solutions at Facebook
"Leaders can't be leaders unless people follow them. Hard to get people to follow if they don’t know who you are."
Billy Porter, Tony Award Winner, Actor, Director and Star of Kinky Boots
"Speak so you can be it."
"You need to know how you are perceived so you can change that perception."
Jim Obergefell, lead plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges
"Make yourself the minority often as you can, that's where your advocacy will come from"
Daniel Diez, EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer of R/GA
"Love has no labels"
"Be prepared for your success, when you capture attention do something amazing about it."
"OutNEXT is the first global talent development program for the next generation of LGBT business leaders...OutNEXT engages high-performing, high-potential, openly LGBT employees identified and selected by member companies, with leadership training content (from partners including EY, McKinsey & Co., and development experts curated by our Talent Initiatives team) targeted to professionals with between five and eight years of experience." Check out Out Leadership for more photos.
Tommy Hilfiger Men's SS17 for T Magazine
Tommy Hilfiger's Men's Presentation was rainbow dreams meets Beatles cover.
"I don't have Tommy underwear!" screams one model. "Everyone has matching underwear and I don't have any on!" he says while looking deep into his black and white striped pants.
The models posed for a quick shot on the High Line prior to the presentation. Separate square platforms filled the empty space for models to stand on. The models were bold and bright next to the all black attendees of the fashion industry in NYC.
Rack of clothes, sunglass, bags, belts and shoes were displayed throughout the room. Guests were greeted at the door by attractive men in matching white and red striped shirts with cocktail trays and Brooklyn summer Ale bottles.
One guest snatched a jacket off the display and sunglasses to take an Instagram. (He quickly was asked to take all the items off). Jerry O'Connell, a VIP guest, introduced himself to me, as if I had no idea who he was. I tried to hold back telling him how much I like his new role on Mistresses.
For the full slideshow check out T Magazine
Ovadia and Sons SS17 NYFWM
Leopard. Tie Dye. Marijuana logos.
Shimon and Ariel Ovadia put on the most killer show last night at Skylight Clarkson that I have ever seen.
I raved about how much I loved the collection to the brothers backstage after I looked through the pieces shooting details of the furs, nits and blouses. "Don't look at all the pieces before the show, it will ruin the surprise for you," they said. However, seeing it on the runway was a whole new experience. A flower installation hung from the ceiling and the runway was shaped in a horse shoe as models circled around benches of seats.
Guests included Jadakiss, Colton Haynes, Ally Maki, Travis Mills, Eric Rutherford, Shabazz Muhammad, Dahntay Jones, Dwayne Harris and J Balvin. Luka Sabbat opened the show in a leopard silk top and layers of chain necklaces.
I was fortunate enough to cover my 3rd Ovadia and Sons collection. A collection that will be buzzed about for months to come.
Draft Night Party 2016
Last year's Draft Party at the Seaport Hotel was nothing compared to the 3,000 dedicated fans and season ticket holders who filled the seats and floor of The Garden last night for the 2016 Draft Night Party.
Seeing the banners down on the court was something special. Not sure I have seen so many people Snapchatting at the same time. Brad Stevens addressed the crowd to start the event. Attendees watched the clock in anticipation for the #3 pick and anxiously waited for Wyc to come out after the selection.
The Garden stayed pack for the entire night watching the Draft Picks live on the jumbotron.
Resort 2017 for Oscar de la Renta
I've felt a little bit like Carrie Bradshaw these past two days getting to spend my hours staring at beautiful designs in Oscar de la Renta's showroom.
On Tuesday I spent the day covering fittings. Peter puts a ton of detail into the fittings, looking at the model at least 3 times prior to approving the look. With such precision, he tweeks the outfit until it is perfection. The set is completely quiet, minus the faint Kid Cudi music playing on the laptop of the photographer capturing photos of the looks.
Day of show, there were many familiar faces. I got to work with Esther Langham again, who was doing ponies on all the models. The effortless pony was chic and ideal for any resort look. The looks ranged from tweed jackets to ball gowns bright in colors. Turquoise belts and chains of jewels added to the looks for extra glam.
Being a presentation, I had the capability to shoot backstage for the first show and runway for the following two shows. The intimate crowds at each viewing, provided me with space to shoot from multiple angles while not being confined to a "pit" with 30+ photographers. Peter got up at the beginning of each presentation and talked about the collection very informally before joining the group himself to watch.
Oscar de la Renta is a brand anyone would be honored to work for and I am just filled with joy that I could spend time photographing for them this week.
For more images check out their Instagram.
OUT Leadership VIP Dinner
OUT Leadership hosted their annual VIP Dinner prior to the Leadership Conference earlier this week at the Bank of America Tower.
Advice: Highly consider working for BOA solely because of the view the 51st floor provides.
I always leave these events feeling inspired. OUT manages to always have speakers that engage the audience in thoughtful discussions. Ken Mehlman of KKR and David Mixner, human rights activist and author, held a captivating talk during dinner.
Mixner made a striking comment that stuck with me.
He said to make it unacceptable for your friends not to be registered to vote this year. He recommended not inviting friends who are not registered to vote to any social gatherings to further prove how important this election is for LGBT activists and allies. I couldn't agree more. This upcoming election is too important to not vote. He said "we have worked too hard to get here to have everything we have worked for taken away."
If you are reading this post and are not registered to vote, please go sign up right now and head to outleadership.com for more information about the organization.
Met Gala 2016 for Oscar de la Renta
Top Supermodel Carolyn Murphy honestly looks like an angel in person. She welcomed me into her hotel room at The Lowell where she was getting ready with her glam team. She was the sweetest, offered me champagne, asked what she could do for me in terms of photography. She discussed friends Christy and Linda. Even with just first names, it's clear who she was referring to.
Murphy kept taking calls in the bedroom, being very secretive. Later, to discover she planned to have a cake and champagne brought up from room service for Makeup artist and close friend Romy's birthday. She gave a touching toast and gleamed at how much she loves and adores her as a long time friend. The bond and friendship they created over the years was evident.
We discussed thong colors for under the dress like we were picking which cocktail on the menu we wanted during happy hour. She told me tricks of the trade that I will keep secret and take to my grave. I shared a few of my own, she either was impressed or rolling her eyes behind the smile.
Peter arrived at the hotel room door. One last look in the mirror. Romy gave her blotting papers and lip balm for her tiny bag and told her how to apply her lipstick during the Gala if she needs a touch up. Then we were off.
She said how these events aren't really her style. She's much more quiet and reserved and people expect her to be much crazier since she is a Supermodel. "Watch, I'll end up dancing on a table smoking cigarettes in an hour," she jokes. She isn't part of the social media famous millennial generation attending the Gala this year, who focus more on the after parties than the money being raised for the Costume Institute. She's the OG of models and a true talent. She is graceful and poised. The true definition of Supermodel.
Two minutes after she left, Cindy Crawford exited the lobby with Oliver Rousteing of Balmain. I told her she look beautiful and she smiled back saying thank you and hello.
My life is complete.
Hair by Esther Langham | Makeup by Romy Soleimani | Custom Dress by Oscar de la Renta | Date Peter Copping
Celtics Playoff 2016
I have never seen the TD Garden this insane. Ever.
Even before my three years with the Boston Celtics, I can't remember attending a game with this much energy.
Sadly the season has officially come to a close, but Celtics fans have passion running through their blood all year long. Before I know it Shamrock Gala will be around the corner, starting off the 2016-2017 NBA season with so much intensity and drive.
Lela Rose Bridal Spring 2017 for Harper's Bazaar
Braids. Twins. A dog. Cotton Candy. Silver eye liner. And gorgeous sunlight coming through windows. What more could you want at a presentation?
Check out my work for Lela Rose and more in the gallery on Harper's Bazaar.
Naeem Khan Bridal Spring 2017 for Harper's Bazaar
Naeem Khan's Bridal show introduced so many colors and patterns into the gowns. I listening to him discuss the intricate patchwork and hand sewing that went into creating some of the designs. It is clear his work is done in passion and with attention to detail.
Check out my work in the gallery on Harper's Bazaar.
Houghton Bridal Spring 2017 for Harper's Bazaar
This show was killer to shoot. I got access to show up early and spent the day hanging with the models as they shot for the lookbook, had lunch and weaved their way around this townhouse.
The location in itself was amazing. Four stories high on the UES, stained glass windows, an old fashioned elevator and a small indoor terrace. It was the perfect location for Katherine Polk to showcase her newest bridal collection. In last season's bridal, she had a pregnant model so it was only fitting to have her back and design an outfit for the newborn.
Check out my work in the gallery on Harper's Bazaar.