Sleep to Dream

On days like today, when the Euro is on the brink of collapse, employment in the U.S. looks bleak, and it feels like we are on the tipping point of a global financial meltdown, I have a certain amount of Rip Van Winkle envy. I know my mama said that there would be days like these, but can't I just go to sleep and wake up in 100 years, perfectly preserved with the world returned to order.

Sleeping is such a wonderful feeling it's a wonder that we are ever awake. Our bodies fall into such a state of blissful unconsciousness that is unparalleled in its enjoyment. Sometimes, when the worries and requirements of the woken world creep in, I suddenly wake with a start wondering 'where did I leave my keys?'.  Only after my fingers have grasped them am I able to slip back into my dream state.

So I have some empathy for the subject of this photoshoot; a girl who distances herself from the boring rituals of modern life with a suspension of consciousness. The costuming is so extreme and surreal that it places the viewer within the subconcious of the girl, we see her slumber and we see her dream.

Sudden Sleep

Armin Morbach for Tush Magazine

via FGR

Banana Republic: A Love Story

"How did she find herself here of all places? Sure it had been great at first, there was late night drinking and flirting that met its inevitable end. But now he was distant. She had figured things were over because he had begun to ignore her and she had begun to compose a breakup monologue. But something was off and it frightened her.

Despite being two bus rides and four plane trips away from home she hadn't felt lonely until now. Lonely is what she felt back in New York, where "friends" were the people who texted her on a Saturday night. And while she hadn't actually known the island residents very long, they were good to her. But then, here it was again, that lingering sense of unease"

 I absolutely loved this photoshoot, it reminds me of a set of stills from a film noir. Pretty little rich girl gets unwittingly involved in an assasination coverup in a Banana Republic (hence the preview of my future in Romance novels) or something like that. The photographs seem to imply a narrative and a dangerous one at that, like why is she wandering into a forest in a fur coat. And why is she always so alone?

Sean & Seng for Numero

Via FGR

More More More after The Jump

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Devi is Divine

My senior year of college,  after having fulfilled all my major requirements, I rewarded myself by taking a class in Rajasthani and Mughal art. At the time, I knew nothing about India apart from what I had seen in the movie Monsoon Wedding. So I was truly blown away when I learned about the Gods; Brahman, Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Parvati, Lakshmi, Rama, Sita, Krishna, Radha, Kali, and infinite other forms. 

Hindu mythology and the art it inspires, is an exercise in the fantastic, the romantic, and the psychedelic.  The art is a visual representation of poetic verse, largely inspired by the epic tales of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.  Enjoy this fashion homage to the Goddess Devi in all of Her forms.

Just a quick disclaimer, these photos are inspired by Indian myths and art, they are not meant as actual depictions of the Indian people or culture.

Photographed by Nick Shepard

Assisted by Andra Georges

Styling and art direction by Annie Shepard

Modeled by Laura Schneider and Annie Shepard

Phantasmic Blaze

I love this combination of fashion and fantasy, with cut out paper monsters haunting the model.

Patrick Houi for Derzeit

via FGR

Acid House Party

In this photoshoot we pay homage to the technocolor scene of the early days of electronic music, when raves were known by their more evocative name "Acid House Parties" ( I can only imagine the fear on parents' faces when their children said , "Don't worry mom, I'll be home before 6, I'm just going to an acid house party"). Madchester, Tony Wilson, and of course ecstasy turned this fringe music scene into a global party phenomena.

Of course this dance scene is still alive and kicking. Even if you aren't at a warehouse party in Bushwick the elements of a rave- the lights and beats- can be found in nearly all music events. So here we are to celebrate the origins and the spectacle of Acid House Parties.

Photographed by Nick Shepard
Assisted by Andra Georges
Styled by Annie Shepard
Modeled by Laura Schneider and Annie Shepard

More after THE Jump!

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

It is impossible to look at these photos without 20/20 hindsight. Keep in mind that these were shot in 2005 before Brad and Angelina were Brangelina. The two were promoting their film Mr. and Mrs. Smith that nobody actually saw but everyone remembers for its preminiscent plot. Flash forward 7 years, and they have their own brood of little ones. After all, the chemistry is practically jumping off the pages. 

Steven Klein for W Magazine

More Mr. and Mrs. Smith after The Jump!

Jingoist Fashion

One night in high school, a dozen of my friends met at the Veterans Memorial in Riverside Park to do what we do best; underage drinking. Unfortunately for us, a couple of undercover cops who usually bust perverts and dogwalkers, sat us down, demanded our identification, and lectured us on sacrifice for our nation. So, dear Mr. Undercover cop, I dedicate this photoshoot to you.

Topshop Dress, Smythe Jacket, Corso Como boots, Fur Bomber Hat