Hello Johnny

Did you hear about John Galliano and Hello Kitty? Maybe this is old news to you but I just found that shit out. Cra-zay, even for Galliano. According to Reuters, Galliano is posing with Hello Kitty in a spread for Vogue Nippon in which the cat is wearing Dior's new collection. Let me give you a sec to sink that in...

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The article says that "Japanese animation and characters have been a strong influence on the fashion world the last few seasons, but kitty is special... Fashion people all know her name and face and always say they love her..."

Yeah everyone loves Scooby Doo too but I don't see Karl posing with Shaggy anytime soon. It's a great marketing ploy for the Asian market but come on John, really? Pictures of you and Hello Kitty on a shopping spree in Paris? What's next? Donatella kickin' it with with Sponge Bob in Milan?

Click here for full article

Goodbye Blue Sky

I was sitting on line 5, which occasionally goes outdoors, when I first realized that winter was finally ending (yep, and its almost may). The sky was amazing and the Seine glistened. It was as though I suddenly woke up and realized it wasn't miserable outside anymore. I've been so busy locked up in the studio I hadn't noticed that spring has finally arrived. I hadn't had time to really breathe in the warm air and when I did I fell in love with Paris all over again.

I've been wanting to do a lot more location shoots but on a tight budget it's difficult unless you have some nice sunlight... And now here comes the sun little darling! Immediately I started thinking of the projects I have been cooking up waiting for the summer light to arrive. 

I always find inspiration listening to Pink Floyd. I did a shoot based on the song "Time" and another one on "Brain Damage". In that particular moment when I looked out the line 5 train I was listening to "Goodbye Blue Sky" and I threw every other idea out the window and decided to make a short outdoor still film with that song. Its dark and sweet at the same time so the only logical person I could think of to take the lead was again my muse for this month: John Smith.

We wandered around Paris an entire afternoon and even had time to take a break for him to go to a casting. It was fun playing paparazzi for a day with everyone watching thinking "what the fuck are they doing?". Big props to John for not so much as blinking at the people who were pointing and staring. We had a great time and together managed to make my first still film.

So without further a due I give you "Goodbye Blue Sky".

Good Exposure TV

I must give credit to the original creators of Good Exposure TV... A mocumentary on the lives of three male models in New York City. I first watched this about 4 or 5 months ago and haven't stopped laughing since. 

It's always important to be able to laugh at yourself and these guys take that to a whole new level. The videos capture the lives of male models pretty dead on, at least from what I have seen throughout the years.

For me it all started about 6 years ago when I interned at IMG (now Public Image). Yeah, I answered phones, I fetched coffee, I ran around town gophering and I loved it. I hung out at the infamous model apartment on 28th and 10th daily and really absorbed the wisdom of the 6 or 7 guys living there. And by wisdom I mean second hand high. I am yet to meet a model who doesn't smoke up. It seems to come with the territory. What else are you supposed to do while waiting for the phone to ring?

The guys bitch and complain about modeling but they are needed in order to keep harmony in the bubble of the fashion world. They are the ying to the fashionista yang. Clients have their pick of a million great looking guys who want to be a model more than anything in life and are 110% committed but the ones who bring it and the ones we love are the ones who keep us on our toes.

So to the creators of Good Exposure TV Jay Bulger and Toby Styling: Bravo buddies.

"Some people think we just get paid to stare into the camera, but sometimes there's two cameras and we don't get paid double"

Good Exposure

From the sea to the beach bunnies

As per usual the gang came over last night. Simon surprised us with a backpack full of groceries so we made sushi. I made these rolls with salmon and imitation crab that were not bad but then again we had major munchies. Let's get real about imitation crab for a minute... You know how they say that tuna is the chicken of the sea? Imitation crab is the hot dog of the sea. Fo real, what's in that shit?

Did you ever watch the Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey "Newlyweds" show on MTV? There was this episode where she didn't know whether chicken of the sea was chicken or tuna... and then there was the memorable question "Are buffalo wings made of buffalo meat?". 

Thats what I love about American television: It's so mind numbing its fantastic. I always enjoy watching whenever I get to the states. The last time I was there was about a month ago when I went to Miami for 2 weeks. It was spring break at the time and the kegs were a flowin'.

I went to the Victoria's Secret pool party "Ralley at the Raleigh" that was hosted at the (surprise surprise) Raleigh Hotel. Jessica Simpson was not there but her ex-hubby Nick Lachey co-hosted the event with his babe Vanessa "Mily Vanily" Manilo. There was dodge ball, there were bikinis and there was Luke Hogan. Damn! What a hottie. I absolutely have the biggest crush on him. Aside from his to die for looks, he makes me laugh until my guts hurt. We snuck around the party stealing hamburgers in the VIP laughing our asses off. According to the waiter there was a 1 burger per person policy - that is some bawlshit!

The party consisted of spring breakers from all over the states gathered around this amazing pool with pink dogs and booze everywhere. A-mazing. I felt like I was in a reality show or one of those teen comedies where the college pool parties look like this. I thought this kind of shit was staged or just made a parody out of but I am sadly mistaken. These kids are full of energy, wired on Smirnoff Ice's and cheering along with Nick and Mily while they play games like twister and tug of war and they LOVE it.

These two chicks asked me to take their picture in this exact same pose with one of their cameras. I couldn't resist and snapped one with me own. Their personalized shirts had their names on them. One of them was "Stina" (short for Cristina? sssstina?) and the other one named "Jojo"... I ain't even gonna go there.

It was intriguing watching all this happen before my very eyes. I felt like I had jumped in my TV. It was cheezy to say the least but now I can check it off my list of things I never planned on doing but somehow ended up doing anyways. At the end of the day I met a really cute boy, got drunk for free and had a blast... and there is nothing wrong with that!

Book

Just wanted to show a little something something I put together. =)

You can also check it out on the bottom of the main page in bigger or by clicking on it. Don't I sound like an infomercial? Super.

Model of the Week: Andre De Pizzol

Eu menti is portuguese for "I lied"... a phrase commonly used by my friend and this week's model of the week: Andre. He's huge on practical jokes and thinks its funny to do or say something thats wrong, stop mid tracks and belt out the words "EU MENTI!"

I don't think I have ever been with Andre when he wasn't smiling or giggling... and i see him ALL the time. There's no internet at his place, so I find myself sitting next to him on my couch while he shows me youtube videos on a daily basis.

He has a party soul and tears it up on the dance floor like it's nobody's business, and all that energy translates into his photos. I've shot him twice and both times he was awesome. Though a bit shy when you first meet him, give him a couple of hours and he'll be your new best friend.

              Kris van Assche and Andre De Pizzol at Kris' show Feb '08


Currently one of the Dior boys, we'll be seeing a whole lot more of him in the upcoming season. He's shooting the new campaign this week... and the photographers is.... Eu menti! Can't tell you, wish I could, but its HOT!


Everyone from Kris van Assche to Karl Lagerfeld goes crazy over his greek god features, claiming him to be one of the most elegant models today. With that sculpted face and perfect poise I can't help but agree and go nuts along with the rest of them. 

All photos by me.

High as Heels

                               Paolo Roversi photographed by me

Paolo Roversi rocks my world. He's photographed every major model on the planet and continues to do so daily. His favorite tool is his 8 x 10 camera with which he has captured some of the most timeless pics of all times. He is the living proof that less is more... He uses the same props (he collects chairs and stools from the street) and claims that when inspiration is lacking he simply hangs up his trusty blanket as the backdrop which he's had for over 30 years. Check out this photo of Natalia Vodianova (blanket and all). I LOVE it!

              Natalia Vodianova photographed by Paolo Roversi

Roversi is a laid back guy who is very natural and likes to joke around. He told me he looks for the same qualities in a model, which is probably why he chose to photograph Simon Nessman a few months ago for Arena Magazine.  Simon is as cool as they come - 18 years old from "a little island off of Vancouver island" with an endearing personality and a smile that makes you melt.

                              Simon Nessman photographed by me

                      Simon Nessman photographed by Paolo Roversi

                       Roversi showing his 8 x 10 photographed by me

Even though Roversi and I have completely different ways of shooting (slowwwww and very precise vs lean mean snapping machine) I admire and respect his work immensely. He is someone I look up to as a role model, someone whose got his shit figured out. He said: "A picture is a black page before it is anything. It is your job to paint on that black page with light. You must feel the light, you must live the light."

And live the light I do...

happy 420 everyone

Model of the Week: John Smith

I have to hand it to 20 year old Swedish sensation John Smith. I shot him this morning and was blown away once again by his presence, which is why he is officially the new model of the week.

I can't put my finger on what it is that makes him so special... its an alluring combination of his poses, personal style and killer body. As a person he is incredibly human and down to Earth. He has a soft way about him and writes great poetry. And who can ignore those abs?!

The VIP

Clubbing in a big city can be both ego boosting and soul shattering. Certain clubs have a full on asshole policy. They hire meat heads to decide who gets in and who doesn't. Here's the trick to clubbing... you have to look like you know exactly where you are going and why. If you show the least bit of doubt, kiss your entrance goodbye. Bouncers are like animals, you have to show no fear. If they fold to your bluff they'll let you in... if they tell you "there's a private party this evening and it's not possible", go home. There is no use arguing unless you "know someone". The worst are the group of 6 guys all wearing Drakkar Noir over the same suits they wore all day. They yell at the bouncer like he gives a shit and make fools out of themselves. Sorry bro, swallow your pride and take the polyester home... No honky tonk for you.

For models its wayyyy different. They can wear big white 80's reeboks and plaid jackets and not only are they let in through the side with no wait, but they also get free bottles of booze at their table. Ah... the tables. The comfy playground for the creme de la creme. These are the people who not only get in with no trouble (models and non-models included) but get a luxuriously huge table in a sectioned off lounge, which in most places is a step or two higher than the rest of club just in case they need an extra ego boost with a pedestal. 

Normally the site of a VIP table with gorgeous people will give anyone whiplash, but in Paris, EVERY table is full of gorgeous people. There are more models in clubs than there are in Vogue. Everyone from the DJ to the waiter to the girl dancing on the table all night long is an aspiring someone... actress, model, musician. Everyone wants the VIP table, everyone wants the free booze.

But as with all things in life, it's just not fair. So until you come back looking like Karolina Kourkova in your next life, strut up like you own the place and if need be drop a name, any name, but do it with confidence. Confuse and you will reign. Remember, if bouncers were any smarter they'd be wrestlers.

 

The Show Must Go On

Fashion shows are the fun thing about being in Europe in January. The weather is freezing, people are bitter and the sky seems to be permanently dark, but for one week in each city the elite and alluring world of fashion congregates in a ritual that praises the beautiful, the bizarre and anorexia.

The two hours before the show starts is an event all on its own. Designers, celebrities, stylists and photographers all get caught up in this frantic hurricane. Models are running around in their undies, some in less... not to mention the free food and booze.

You can be certain that the show will be no less than 30 minutes later than the scheduled time. This is fashion after all... EVERYONE is fashionably late.

The crowd stands around and waits endlessly pretending they're not waiting because lets face it, important people don't wait. Buyers, photographers, journalists, designers, socialites and all the people who talk their way in one way or another (like yours truly) are all put together in one room sitting on tiny seats that make you rub cheeks with the people next to you. 

When the lights dim down it takes the crowd a record 1.5 seconds to take their seats and quiet down. Finally the show begins. Depending on the show you will either see a doe-eyed 15 year old trying to look as calm as possible or a greek god whose been doing this for years. One of these two opens the show and after that it pretty much flies by. All the hype for the show is done and over with in about 10 minutes. Don't get me wrong, they are 10 exhilarating minutes. The music is pumping, the cameras are flashing and cute boy after cute boy comes out from behind the curtain.

Then the craziness continues on backstage. Some shows have their own after party right in the backstage while others clear up and out in no time. Most times though its a social unwinding from the show and an energy booster to get to the next party. A few pics here and there, and a couple of glasses of champagne (yes, THIS is where it is!) and you're good to go.

Facundo

When I first met Facundo Pellegrino we were standing outside the Opera at 3 or 4 in the morning... he was yelling out stuff in espanol and swinging around a bottle of booze. He disappeared into the night and it was a week later that I saw him next in the studio. My friend Tania was shooting him one evening and I tagged along and took some side pics. Its a good thing I did because T doesn't speak spanish and Facundo not a lick of english. It was a bit funny watching them communicate. Tania was saying the few words I taught her and coached her on: "izquierda, derecha, arriba, abajo" all essential for directing a model. He was a bit shy and had a tough time loosening up so we took him outside for a quick smoke mid session.

He's a sweet kid from Buenos Aires with a soft way about him yet he's a maniac underneath it all. He became part of the gang and even crashed a couple of nights at my place right before he went back to Argentina. He's coming back soon so I'm psyched to have a little Pellegrino with my champagne!

JD Ferguson: Good Exposure

I'm really excited that my friend JD Ferguson is coming to town soon. I met JD in Miami and we hit it off right away. We share the same interests in fashion, photography and cute boys in their skivvies.
He photographs porn stars for Paper Magazine and shoots backstage fashion week and parties for VMagazine. Did I mention he's also a model?

I think I've seen JD in a few movies before... or maybe its a combination of characters that remind me of him: The Dude in Lebowski, Dante from Grandma's Boy sprinkled with a bit of Hank Moody from Californication. Put a camera in his hand and you've got JD: a laid back hot stoner who gets a lot of ass. A lot.



So when JD told me that he was coming to Paris of course I got immediately excited. He is going to be photographing cute boys for FTV and asked if I could give a hand. Honey, I'll give you a hand, a leg AND my ass for this!

He told me some more details about the shoot and when I asked about a stylist he cooly answered "I'll get some clothes from Karl". Shooting cute boys in Paris for FTV and getting clothes from Karl (and not to mention calling Lagerfeld just Karl): Good fucking Exposure.


Check JD out on the web:

Blog
Site




All photos courtesy of JD Ferguson.

i AM naomi's hair

Team work, unfortunately, is essential in fashion photography. For the most basic shoot you have to have a stylist, a makeup artist, a creative director and a hair stylist... the later being of utter importance in some cases. Notorious diva Naomi Campbell has her own hair dresser that goes with her everywhere... and I mean everywhere. No one touches Naomi's hair but Naomi and this guy. Once someone referred to him as the guy who does Naomi's hair, to which he quickly remarked "I AM Naomi's hair". Respect.

Ideally you will work with the same great team forever and ever but in my case I rotate teams like changing socks. Whoever is available and most importantly, whoever is free! My team today was actually great. The designer had cute clothing, the makeup and hair chicks did a great job and the model was GORGE!


The only problem with today, and every other day in the studio, is that it is a shared space. There are 5 platforms and everyone is running around like crazy.






Once make up, hair and wardrobe are done then it's finally time for shooting, a task I find extremely difficult to do well when there are 5 people breathing down my neck. The designer is giving her two cents every five minutes, the make up and hair chicks run in unexpectedly like streakers in a soccer game to retouch the model and the creative director is shaking his head profusely. Through all of this I have to keep my cool and remember that I am the fucking photographer after all, so my say is the final word during the shoot.

Yes, the team is important because everyone's role is essential for a great photo. Never forget that there's no "I" in team.... but there sure as hell is a ME!

Manon - Mademoiselle Paris

Model of the Week: Juliano Allgayer

Hailing from Porto Alegre, Brazil, 19 year old Juliano is the epitome of the Brazilian babe. He has a contagious laugh that comes out of his adorable smile and a killer body that makes you go "Damn, Gina!"

One of Kris van Assche's muses, he graced the Dior Winter 08/09 runway. I've had the opportunity to photograph him several times and it's always a great time. He gives a lot of energy and lets face it, he's fun to look at.

Oh no she didn't

I've been obsessed with America's Next Top Model for the past month or so, watching every season back to back. There are great photo ideas and let's face it, it's an amazing guilty pleasure.

"Five beautiful girls stand before me, but I only have 4 photos in my hand. The girl who's name I do not call must immediately return to the loft, pack her belongings, and go home."

The show is severe and unfair. It is rigged by Cover Girl, who is the one that ultimately has to use the winner for a contract. It is so clear when in one episode the excuse to kick the poor girl out is: "the judges feel that you have too many looks. Clients are looking for a dependable look" and the next week its "the judges feel you have no variety. They keep seeing the same thing over and over and that is not good".

It cracks me up, really.  None of those girls would ever make it in the real modeling world, which is why no one ever sees them again once their 15 minutes are up.

Here's my favorite clip of Tyra bugging out.

Congratulations, Tyra. You're still in the running towards becoming America's Next Top Ghetto Model.

John Smith

Yes, that is the model I shot yesterday's real name.  20 year old Swedish John is  MAJOR. Gloomy lighting in a mental institution room brought out his inner lunatic. He brought it, he brought it good baby.

Much unlike the pioneer vision I get when I think of John Smith, he arrived in punk gear: shaved head on the sides and red plaid pants. His attitude was phenomenal and his energy incredible. This kid impressed the hell out of me.

I went to Pigalle yesterday morning to about 10 sex shops looking for the white cuffs. I was afraid to cross the line the between edgy and porn with the cuffs, but then i thought: "what the hell, you work it John Smith, and just call me Pocahontas!"

Dom Perignon anyone?

The whole idea of the glamorous "champagne and diamonds" life so often associated with models is NOT true unless of course you are one of the handful of huge supermodels like Raquel Z or Gisele.
I had coffee today with my friend and fellow photographer Tania and 19 year old Romanian model, Micaela. She told us her life in Paris consisted of going to a couple of castings during the day, then an agency trip to pick up the next day's schedule. Normally the daily schedule is emailed to the models, but she didn't bring her computer from Bucharest because she was under the impression that the model apartment would already be equipped. She got to the apartment and there was no computer... no champagne, either.

The guys have it much worst. They make a fraction of what the girls do for twice the effort. If you have ever hung out with one of these strapping young lads you know that you are treating them to everything because they are dirt poor. Again with that whole "good exposure" theory... It seems like a vicious cycle to me. They keep doing shows and editorials for little or no money in hopes of landing a big campaign some day. Will that day ever come? Maybe for 10 or 12 guys a season. When it doesn't happen for them they just keep on trucking until next season. So with so much competition what makes these young boys leave their home countries, friends, family and girlfriends behind? Is it all worth living in a 10 square meter apartment in a 6 floor walk up in a sketchy part of town? Why not? Its fun, they travel and they're young enough to have all the time in the world to be in the "real world" once all is said and done. In the mean time they can come over and hang out with me anytime. And I've got champagne.


Micaela - Mademoiselle Paris. Photo by Tania Edwards.

Brazil: Land of the Beautiful

One of my friends jokingly asked me tonight if she was getting the wrong impression about what men in South America look like because the only Latinos she had met were male models. Obviously not everyone in Brazil looks like Evandro, we'd all be living there if they did.

The Brazilian (not new) wave of fashion still takes my breath away. What gorgeous boys and girls! I have shot my fair share of Brazilians and never get tired of their energy. Just tonight Juliano was teaching me how to Samba out in the Parisian streets. You just can't put a price on entertainment like that.

These are some pics I've taken of cute Brazilian boys. 

Juliano - Bananas Paris

Andre - Bananas Paris

Pedro - Next Miami

Gabriel - Ford Paris