Real Vintage

Sometimes our most cherished items are ones that we have held on to throughout the years. Many of the women I stop to photograph proudly announce how long they have had a certain dress or wonderful vintage accessory. I told this woman that I take street style photographs and she immediately smiled and told me that her dress was probably older than I was.

Corey Lynn Calter Loves Advanced Style

Last Spring I met designer Corey Lynn Calter and team, for lunch in the West Village, and an idea was born. They were inspired by the style and spirit of ladies, like Ilona Royce Smithkin(above), and thought it would be great fun to have them self style the CLC collection for a small shoot. We called up 91 year old artist and performer, Ilona Royce Smithkin, and she thought this sounded like a grand idea.

[Video by Lina Plioplyte]

After Mary,one of Advanced Style’s chicest ladies, agreed as well, we started planning two exciting days of shooting.Mary was a real sport, shooting in over 100 degree weather, but keeping her cool the whole time. Ilona and Mary had a wonderful time making the clothes their own. They added their signature accessories,mixed and matched pieces to their liking,and used their years of fashion experience to style magnificent outfits.Check out the video of Ilona, above, explaining why Corey’s designs can be worn by women of all ages.

Milan Fashion Week:Advanced Floral

I saw this woman enjoying a cappuccino with a friend near Corso Como in Milan. I wanted to ask if I could take her photo, but decided to wait until she finished her conversation. A few minutes later, I turned around, and she had already left.Luck would have it that I ran into her a few hours later near Brera. I asked if I could take her picture and she explained in Italian that she doesn’t speak English. I pointed to my camera and smiled–She understood, and I got a great shot.

MIlan Fashion Week:Black and White

Every time I visit a new city, I find at least one lady who stands out amongst all the rest. In London there is Gitte Lee, Mme Dominique Fallecker in Paris, and now this wonderful Milanese woman. They are admired for their style,their spirit,and their grace. This woman was closing up shop when I asked if I could take her photo. She reminded me of something an older once told me, “You will always be right in black and white.”