Date Archives 2014

A Chance Meeting in Cape Town

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I just arrived in Cape Town last night for today’s premiere of Advanced Style The Documentary in South Africa. The screening is part of a series of talks and shows organized by Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town. I decided to check out what was happening at the convention center before heading to bed when I noticed the most gorgeous woman waiting in line to attend deseiner,Marianne Fassler’s, show. I quickly ran up to the line, as it was moving into the auditorium, and told this stunning lady and her friend that I would love to take their photos after the show. To my surprise they knew exactly who I was and have been reading Advanced Style for  the last couple of years. They snuck out of line and we took a few quick photographs before heading back into the show. After the gorgeous presentation we met up again and  they told me that they had no idea that I was in town or that my film would be playing in Cape Town. Sometimes I think that I must have some kind of Advanced Style radar guiding me to amazing older people around the world! I can’t wait to see my new friends at their home in Paarl next week.

In other exciting news, Advanced Style The Documentary will be playing in US theaters starting September 26th!!! Check HERE for film updates and screenings.

Nonna Maria

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A few years ago I taught a course on Advanced Style at IED Roma. I had all my students go out on the street and photograph and interview older people and then share who they met with the rest of the class. Many of them had little contact with anyone outside their own peer groups and it was incredible to see how much they learned from this exercise. One of my favorite students, Eleonora Carrano, brought in her beautiful grandmother, Nonna Maria, to talk to the class about her work as a costume designer for the opera. All the students really enjoyed hearing Nonna Maria talk about her career and it gave them another perspective on what you can do with a degree in design. Last week I met up with Nonna Maria again and she was as vibrant and gorgeous as ever.

Red Lips in Roma

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I love how confident the men and women I ask to photograph become in front of the camera. There is always a hint of Old Hollywood glamour in the way that they carry themselves. I remember looking through my grandmother’s old photo albums and thinking everyone looked so elegant in the 1930s and 40s. I am often reminded of these photos when I’m out shooting on the street.