NYFW Fall 2018 for T Magazine

TOM FORD

When T assigned me Tom Ford's Men Show I was overwhelmed with excitement.  I was completely speechless when I saw Mr. Ford himself at the show taking notes of the models and their walks during rehearsal. It wasn't until 15 min before the show that I learned the finale would be launching his underwear collection. 

I wanted my work from this show to look different than my past. I didn't want it to look like "backstage" but more editorial in nature with a detailed focus on more portraiture. I also edited the images differently with a more desaturated color palette focusing on the body and skin tones of the models.

JASON WU

Wu's show was the only women's show I captured for T this season. The bold eye look allowed me to capture more beauty and portraiture than I typically do during NYFW. However the portrait of Whoopi Goldberg might be the highlight of my career thus far.

I watch The View everyday in my office and have adored Whoopi in all her accomplishments. No one was asking her for a photo as she sat front row, so I thought maybe she was unfriendly or didn't want to be photographed. I waited around until the end of the show and lingered as she greeted friends. I politely tapped her on the shoulder when I noticed a lull in the conversation. She was so sweet and posed for a portrait on the runway. I hope reading this is a reminder to all photographers to always ask for the shot! Never be intimidated. I mis-judged the situation by seeing no one shooting her and I am so happy I pushed myself to talk to her. Every time I look at the photo I smile thinking of how lucky I am to meet the people I do in my industry. 

Raf Simons Spring 2018 for T Magazine

Raf's show was sure to be killer end to a NYFW Men's day. Set in an alley behind a daycare, the show was held in long hallway of a outdoor market. Boys wore raincoats, umbrellas and held lanterns. Inspiration derived from Raf's love of the film "Blade Runner" in the heart of Chinatown, the show started at a late 9:45pm. The sound of the trains above on the Manhattan Bridge and the stale air filled the space. Photographers gathered in an alley perpendicular to the runway, where guests stood lining the walls. 

For more check out the article on T Magazine

Ovadia and Sons FW17 NYFWM

This show brought back so many memories from my trip to Israel in 2013. The collection was inspired by their father who was a soccer player during his years in the Israeli Army. Even some necklaces contained dirt from the soccer field their father played at in Israel. What I love so much about working for Ovadia & Sons is their strong family ties. This Fall/Winter Collection emphasized that and showed how it truly is a family brand. Their father was in attendance along with many other family members who hugged and praised the brothers backstage post show. 

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. 

Perry Ellis NYFWM FW16

The Perry Ellis show was indeed Very Perry. Shooting house backstage, I mingled with models as they got prepped by lab series and downed juices. Cable knits and leather bags lined the back of house dressing room.

Cuba Gooding Jr., Jets' player Eric Decker, Giants' player Dwayne Harris and SNL's Colin Jost gathered with created director Michael Maccari in front of the step and repeat, while models got dressed. Sadly, Jessie James Decker wasn't there for me to gush about how much I love "Lights Down Low." This was probably for the best. 

Before I knew it, the show was over and I was stuck behind 10 models jumping and screaming as they congratulated Macaari on an amazing show. I squeezed my way through the crowd to take my final shot. The shot that captures the joy, hard work, passion, drive and creativity that went into the show. 

To see more of my work check out Perry's Instagram. 

Ovadia and Sons FW16 NYFWM

I spent Tuesday afternoon at the Skylight Clarkson covering the Fall Winter 2016 collection for Ovadia and Sons. Shimon and Ariel create truly remarkable clothing, with such attention to detail and fabric.

The brothers weren't the only twins in the show. Twin models Torey and Khorey McDonald matched in pin stripe suits. This made fore some fun photos on my part.

Celebrities attendees included Victor Cruz, Devon Windsor, Colton Haynes, Eric Rutherford, Matt Harvey, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka and Vincent Piazza. Many came back backstage prior to the show to wish the brothers luck. After the show, they all came swarming back to rave about all the looks they can't wait to wear. Neil joked he "finally felt like a real model" as models politely asked for selfies and photographers snapped profusely.

For more check out Ovadia and Son's Instagram, Website and OUT. 

Ovadia and Sons SS16 NYFWM

Last week I covered the Ovadia & Sons show at New York Fashion Week Men's. Held at the Skylight Clarkson Sq, the show was as I like to call "beautiful chaos." Staff were running around backstage on headsets grabbing racks of clothes and cramming to set up after the previous designer's show. Models are chilling outside playing with chattering teeth wind up toys and drinking juices as they wait for rehearsal to start.

I rotated between covering backstage, first looks, front row and runway. 

Actor RJ Mitte blended in with the models. The only thing making him stand out, was the Breaking Bad fans (other models) taking selfies with him backstage every 3 seconds. 

It was an honor to photograph Ariel and Shimon Ovadia. Their passion for the brand and fashion is evident in the clothes they produce and the level of detail put into their craft. 

Moments before the start of show, R.Kelly took his place front row with cigar in mouth next to the other front row attendees Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Elaina Watley, Victor Cruz, Johnny Galecki, Colton Haynes and Ally Maki.

You can view more of my work on Ovadia & Sons website, Forbes, Complex and Wallpaper.