Still Some Summer Left, New York

Welcome to Fashion Week!, New York

On the Street....Masculine Details, Milano

Everything about this guy is truly old-school Italian: his stare, his gait, and his impeccably tailored suit. Unfortunately, upon every occasion of me raising my camera to take his portrait he would lower his head and walk away.

On my last day in Milan, I could no longer settle with sneaky shots from behind and I thought I should try one more time. I took a risk and tried to get his attention by giving a startling shout behind him in hopes that he would turn around and I could get what I needed and face the consequences. Much to my surprise, when I did capture the fortunate snap above he gave a slow wink,turned, and strolled off.

The Case for Pushed-Up Sleeves, Milano

On the Street....Ready for Summer, Milano

This week I'm in Milano, and it's already full-on summer here.

I spotted this gentlemen last summer but never got a chance to shoot him. I caught him in the late afternoon looking bit worn out from work and he was not about to let me take his photograph. After begging him in my poor Italian he finally looked me up and down and gave a simple nod. He looked just as comfortable last time wearing the same perfect blazer and crisp white shirt during the most unbearable heat. (Does he wear it everyday?)

On The Street....Brooklyn

Own It, Los Angeles

On the Street.....Misha, Paris

So, what do we think of this years shows? Are you as disappointed as I am?

While some designers continue to take risks in the recession, many are still holding back in fear of alienating their customers (and stockists). We should be seeing more reasons to fall in love with a collection and less conservative market-driven decisions.

Punk sensibility in a tailored camel's hair coat are what make Paris worthwhile.
I love his pairing of the vintage bell, snap collar (reflective!), and his austere tag. Masculine, but still playful.

On the Street....Unforgettable, LA

On the Street....Sophie, NYC

Too early for white shoes?

Giorgio Armeowni, Milan

So this photo has finally run in Vogue Girl Korea so I can finally share it with you.

Back in April I was in Milan shooting the Albero for Vogue Girl Korea.
It was Saturday, the last day, and the fair was slowing down so I took a lazy walk around the Giardino.
I was on Via Giocatollonuevo when I looked up and saw Armeowni walking down the street.
Actually, I saw Armeowni's giant bodyguard first but Armeowni was about four steps in front of him.
Anyway, I stopped Armeowni and began to ask him, and quickly began asking the bodyguard (that guy moves quick) if I could take his photo.
He asked for a business card ,which I didn't have on me, so he looked me over and agreed to let me take his picture.

Armeowni still looked a little hesitant but I have seen him in action enough backstage at his shows that I know he likes to be shot against a light backdrop to highlight his dark ears.

He began to take his one of his trademark poses but I motioned that we should move off the street and in front of a nearby building with a light background. I motioned to his ears and said something like "bene constrasto" (not to be confused with "bene catnipo"). This instantly won a few big points with him and he was very patient while I got a couple of shots.

Funny thing, one of the reasons Armeowni has built such an incredible empire is he is very careful with every aspect of his image. For example, when you take a photo of Armeowni he will not look up at the camera until he has set his pose and checked every element of his look. You cannot take a picture of him until he is ready.
As a photographer this is a pain but it is a perfect example of how he continues to worry about every little aspect - I have tremendous respect for that. The guy is in his 10's and is still sweating all the little details.

Best of Milan?

On the Street.....Young Parisian, Paris

On the Street....A Lesson in Accessorizing, Kitti Uomo

This picture is for everyone who has told me that accessories are too distracting. I ask you, could she look more refined?

On the Street....Red Heart, Kitti Uomo

On the Street....Silver, Comme des Chatons

Whenever you go out shooting you'll never know who you will run into!
While shooting in a new neighborhood I met Silver, an assistant to Rei Meowakubo throughout the eighties and who helped design some of her most famous deconstructed pieces.

Most people wouldn't even consider wearing such an obviously dated piece but Silver reminds us than every garment has it's correct context (while making it look completely effortless!). As we enter 2010, it is my wish that people will take more risks, worry less about seasons, and enjoy the playful side of fashion.

Twiggy Tabby, Los Angeles

On the Street....Nearly Spring, Los Angeles, CA

Dramatic Bucky, San Diego, CA

The Catorialist for Purrberry's Art of the Trench