Tia Cibani’s Designs Dance

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Movement. When I was interviewing designer Tia Cibani at her studio, one of the references of inspiration for her fall collection was just that, movement. The full dancer skirts, gathered backs, swinging dresses, and loose silhouettes all flow in graceful motions. Even in the fabric design, the blurred lines of the rose print look as if the fabric has flown by you, leaving behind only the scent of roses. The clothes hanging there in the showroom were screaming at me to be whirled around, caught in the wind, and flicked off a finger.

I asked Amy, a recent New Orleans transplant and a trained dancer (in ballet, jazz, AND tap) to come in and be our movement, our graceful, elegant motions. We started talking about dance, about her motivation to dance, and she said, “I love when you find that vulnerability of not caring and letting your body completely take over. It’s very invigorating.” And it was indeed, an exhilarating live performance piece in the middle of our studio; garments singing in ripples of red satin, billows of draped tweed, twirls of shining pleats!

After the shoot I asked Amy what it felt like to dance in these clothes, and she replied, “I felt like a goddess, like a queen. It was so beautiful, it moved with me like an extension of my body.” Now that sounds like an outfit I could dance my way through Manhattan in, too…

 

 

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Ecco Domani’s Spring Fling

EccoDomani_Spring_02 Last fall we had the pleasure of shooting the new packaging and in-store displays for the contemporary Italian Wine Ecco Domani at our studio here in New York. Just because it was a photoshoot and not an actual event taking place – in this case, a book-club party with a group of girlfriends at home – doesn’t mean the food shouldn’t be a great pairing for the wine!

My friend Molly who is an amazing food stylist (remember this series we did together?) created a few spring-time inspired grilled flat bread recipes for our shoot that were DELICIOUS with the crisp Pinot Grigio wine (after we wrapped, we enjoyed some ourselves!). I love Molly’s recipes, they are so fresh and seasonal. This past December she created two special wine cocktail drink recipes for our Ann Street Studio Holiday Party with Ecco Domani’s Pinot Grigio and Merlot. It’s very important to the global wine brand “to produce wines that are fruit forward and food friendly” so the pairings had to work in real life just as in our book club photoshoot.

I’ve really been enjoying the relationship with Ecco Domani this past year, a brand that also thinks about tomorrow not only in their wine but in the world around us. They do a lot in the fashion industry with the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund to help young emerging designers create their collections and present them to the world.  So many of the past EDFF winners have gone on to shape the fashion industry and be a driving force in our culture such as Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung, and Rodarte to name a few!

It’s been an amazing experience finding a balance between being creative and getting the shot the client needs for their messaging and display / box dimensions. And of course, it is always a joy and pleasure to get to work with your friends, the people you have a creative conversation with so seamlessly that it makes work feel like play. For this shoot we collaborated with food stylist Molly Shuster, stylist Erin Framel, and hair and makeup artist Ana Sicat. So perhaps you’ll be inspired to have some friends over on a Saturday afternoon, talk about what you’re reading, have some wine and try out Molly’s recipe, sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon to me….

PS-This light, floral, citrus-y and crisp top selling wine is also very easy to find in your local wine shop or Italian restaurant, and now when you see the advertising and packaging you know who shot it! Xx

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The Parisian

The girls in Paris are special and unique / You see it in their eyes when they walk down the street / They sing a song my poor heart never can forget / This night I wish that I were still in Paris yet…

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks with amazing gold accessories each day this week. See previously our Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / The Bohemian / Power Player and today, quite fittingly as I am walking the streets of Paris, we end with:

The Parisian

There’s something about Paris – a city of love, of lights, and containing an unbearable amount of chic. My fashion-loving heart aches for Paris, for the women who glide by, looking effortlessly stylish. Here’s to Paris and all its joys, jewelries, and je ne sais quoi

above: Norman Norell Vintage maroon blazer, Norman Norell Vintage pencil skirt, Celine black classic box bag, Monica Rich Kosann and Jennifer Fisher bracelets

above: Miu Miu top, Chanel pleated mini-skirt, J Crew cardigan, Celine black leather bag, Celine Mary Jane pumps, Oliver People’s cat eye sunglasses, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings, Monica Rich Kosann, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets (same as cover image)

above: vintage Stephen Sprouse velvet dress,  Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings, Monica Rich Kosann, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Zoe Chicco earrings

The Parisian for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot at Cirque le Rouge

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

Power Player

Some find her too aggressive / she don’t know how to stop / cause she’s the kind that don’t look down until it’s from the top 

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks with amazing gold accessories each day this week. See previously, our Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / The Bohemian and today the:

Power Player

Show me the money! Power players don’t mess around when it comes to business or fashion. Strong lines, sharp tailoring, and her fierce stare stop us in our tracks, and her statement jewelry is just one more way she’s a sharp shooter.

above: Moschino striped double breasted jacket, Moschino slacks, Equipment button-down, Christian Louboutin shoes, Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman rings, Ana Khouri cuff, watch and brooch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron

above: Giorgio Armani white blazer, Giorgio Armani slacks, Stella McCartney tweed, Christian Louboutin black patent leather pumps, Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman ring, House of Waris cuffs

above: Salvatore Ferragamo black double breasted blazer with white pinstripe, black skirt with white pinstripes, black turtleneck, Ana Khouri earrings, collar and cuff, David Yurman rings, watch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron (same as cover image)

above: Moschino striped double breasted jacket, Moschino slacks, Equipment button-down, Christian Louboutin shoes, Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman rings, Ana Khouri cuff, watch and brooch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron

above: Giorgio Armani white blazer, Giorgio Armani slacks, Stella McCartney tweed, Christian Louboutin pumps,  Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman ring, House of Waris cuffs

Power Player for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot on location in New York City’s Financial District

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

The Bohemian

Do you believe in magic, in a young girl’s heart?/ How the music can free her, whenever it starts…

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks with amazing gold accessories each day this week. See previously our Uptown Girl / Punk Princess and today she becomes..

The Bohemian

There is a certain magic in bohemian chic – the tinkling of many bracelets, the flow of her long skirts, the knowing look in her eyes when she catches yours…bewitching and bewildering, the bohemian girl will forever captivate us.

above: Alberta Ferretti dress, Gianvito Rossi boots, Carolina BucciH. SternMe&RoMonica Rich KosannJennifer Fisher, Borgioni and LFrank bracelets, Me&Ro and Monica Rich Kosann necklaces, LFrank earrings, Me&Ro necklace worn as headpiece

above and below: Isabel Marant dress, Gianvito Rossi boots,  Carolina BucciH. SternMe&Ro, Monica Rich Kosann, Jennifer Fisher, Borgioni and LFrank bracelets, Me&Ro and Monica Rich Kosann necklaces, LFrank earrings

above and below: Cynthia Rowley blouse, Yves St. Laurent vintage purple skirt, Gianvito Rossi boots, Borgioni and Me&Ro rings, LFrank earrings, Monica Rich Kosann necklaces, bracelets, as before, Zoe Chicco hand bracelet

The Bohemian for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Flower Crowns by Celadon & Celery, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot at Ann Street Studio

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

PUNK.

I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation / You’re living in the past it’s a new generation  / A girl can do what she wants to do and that’s  / What I’m gonna do

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks each day this week. See previously our Uptown Girl after feasting your eyes on this Punk Princess!

PUNK

Rules don’t apply for punk fashion – it’s an anything goes world and you just have to be badass enough to pull it off. There’s apathy and anarchy in their style, mixing ripped up t-shirts with spiky gold rings, edgy bangles and hand bracelets. You can think what you want, but you know she doesn’t give a damn…

above and below: Roland Mouret plaid dress, Alexander Birman black pumps, Haider Ackermann black leather belt, Jack Vartanian earrings, Janis SavittNicholas LiuJennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Borgioni hand bracelet, Nicholas Liu, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings

Obesity and Speed white sleeveless shirt with holes, Moschino plaid pants, Celine black moto jacket, Alexander Birman pumps, Jack Vartanian earrings, Janis Savitt, Nicholas Liu, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Borgioni hand bracelet, Nicholas Liu, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings, Zoe Chicco necklace

Balenciaga black silk drapey top, Theory black leather leggings, Giuseppe Zanotti black booties, Yves St. Laurent vintage gold studded belt, Jack Vartanian earrings, Janis Savitt, Nicholas Liu, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Borgioni hand bracelet, Nicholas Liu, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings

PUNK for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot at Ann Street Studio

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

Uptown Girl

Uptown girl / She’s my uptown girl / You know I’m in love / With an uptown girl…

Fall Fashion is dripping in gold…we got together with LoveGold and stylist Micaela Erlanger to put together a story of 5 different women’s styles for our new fall season. Each day this week we will take our muse Devon and dress her in fall trends from uptown chic to downtown punk. I can’t wait to hear which golden girl style you loved best!

Uptown Girl

The Park Avenue princess, she keeps it ladylike with multiple gold chains. It’s hard not to watch her sweep down the sidewalks of Upper Manhattan, wondering where she’s going today…

above: Celine pink long sleeve blouse, Zac Posen deep purple wool blazer with ruffle, deep purple wool pencil skirt, Sermoneta pink leather gloves, Steven Alan earrings, Monica Rich Kosann bracelets, David Yurman necklaces and rings, watch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron

above & below: Moschino tweed jacket with black leather collar and frayed edges, same with skirt, Yves St Laurent red button down, vintage red leather Hermes Kelly bag, Steven Alan earrings, David Yurman necklaces

above & below: Yves St Laurent brown button down, L’wren Scott green wool pencil skirt, Vintage leopard beret, Max Mara black suede square handbag, Pollini yellow patent leather pumps, Lanvin leopard gloves, earrings, rings, necklaces and watch as before, David Yurman necklace worn as bracelet

Uptown Girl for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Animal Talent by Darryl, Shot on location in New York City

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

Notes from the Photographer

We shoot a lot of beautiful women here at the studio. The funny thing is…as I get older they seem to always stay the same age. What is it about youth we are so attracted to? When Kelly texted me images of these three incredibly beautiful, real women, women with businesses, with a history of past love affairs, and with a real friendship out in Montauk as a casting option for our Beauty + Truth story, I was in love.

Their grace, their confidence that only women who have lived a little can possess, their intelligence and peace were so inspiring I could have shot them for days. I could do a photographic study around the lines on their faces…the lines of life are signs of living, and isn’t life a beautiful thing?

As a photographer you have all the control. Whoever is put in front of your lens has to put complete trust in you: how you light them, how you make them feel when you’re shooting them; the crop, what you show and what you leave out; the direction, mood and feeling you set.

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Beauty & Truth

This week, I’ve been talking to you all about the ancient Egyptian idea of maat, which dealt with conceptions of balance, order, and truth. As with all the stories I tell, I’ve strived to come at it from a place of celebration, a love of beauty, and a simplistic honesty.

The quest for truth is a challenging thing. It’s been difficult for me to claim in this medium called blogging, especially as I have tried to redefine what this site means, making it about something greater, more important, and more interesting than simply myself. I’ve been writing from China this week, where censorship has made posting unbelievably challenging. I have to switch IP addresses with every paragraph, as I keep getting booted off each new server. Is aesthetic expression really such a threat? Well, personal truths do not seem to carry much weight here.

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Beauty & Truth

Our story began with three women, three mythical beings: Maat and her handmaidens, Beauty and Truth. In mythology and Egyptian heiroglyphics, Maat was represented by an ostrich feather. The equal-sidedness of the feather, with its division into halves, rendered it a fitting symbol of balance.

 

Feathers recur as a sacred talisman in many cultures, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, by Mexicans and by Native Americans, who used them in headdresses and in dreamcatchers. Just as Maat was trusted to control the daily path of the sun, so the moon controls the tides ~ and so people have believed for centuries that we can control our dreams.

Dreamcatchers originated with the Ojibwe nation, who believed that, when hung above the bed, only good dreams would be allowed to filter through their sinewy webs; they would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper, while bad dreams would be caught and trapped in the net. The tides of today bring both nightmares and dreams, for along the shore we find countless cigarette butts and plastic bottles mixed in with natural treasures like seashells and driftwood.

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Beauty & Truth

In the ancient world, myths were used as a means to understand the inexplicable, as a way to make sense of the great wonders and mysteries of the earth and to give meaning to humanity. Inspired by the cycles of nature, the mythology of ancient Egypt still holds our imaginations in its sway today. Ancient Egyptians saw time in the present as a repetition of the linear events of their myths; to them, this mirroring served to renew ma’at (or mayet), the fundamental order of all existence.

Myths were a way of passing down behavioral expectations, codes of conduct, and moral obligation. They were reminders that the actions we take today create the context for tomorrow. Today’s decisions are the gifts and curses we bestow upon our descendants.

Ma’at was the Egyptian concept of truth, balance, and order. Ma’at was personified as the goddess of the stars; it was she who conducted cosmic harmony out of the chaos of creation, she who maintained the equilibrium of the universe ~ the setting of the sun, the rising of the tides. She was justice and she was reason.

Ma’at was the central principle of Egyptian cosmology and ethics, and so the primary duty of an Egyptian king was to be the champion of ma’at. All the daily rituals and sacrifices would be deemed meaningless unless the king and his people were living righteous, balanced lives. The word itself indicated ‘that which is real’, and so for the ancient Egyptians, ma’at came to imply anything that was true, genuine or harmonious.

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Summer’s End

He must have looked up at an unfamiliar sky through frightening leaves and shivered as he found what a grotesque thing a rose is and how raw the sunlight was upon the scarcely created grass. A new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about… like that ashen, fantastic figure gliding toward him through the amorphous trees.

– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Above & below: vintage hat, Rebekah Price necklace, Carolina Herrera top & ball skirt, Stuart Weitzman shoes

Above: Victor Osborne hat, Tiffany & Co. necklace, DKNY gown, Atelier Swarovski ring, Rebecca Minkoff shoes

Above: Eugenia Kim hat, Elie Saab blouse, Eddera necklace, Badgley Mischka pants

 

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