With men’s fashion week kicking off in MIlan in the next few days Grazia.it asked me a few questions about street style, inspiration and things in general including my favorite brands. Thank you Grazia.it for the sit down and interview. (read it here in Italian - Grazia.it)
The english version:
Tell us a little bit about your story. Where are you from? What were you doing before becoming an accomplished street-style photographer? And what pushed you toward street-style?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York of Haitian parents. Prior to street style I directed a 55 minute film, self published 2 books, and have always expressed myself artistically. I decided to shoot street style because I felt that I could capture ‘cool‘ for a from a different perspective, from the perspective of guy who really appreciated style over fashion.
What do you search in a look? When do you decide to shoot “that” picture?
To me it’s about the details and how a person puts things together. I personally don’t like excess (of anything). What I look to shoot is nonchalant elegance and effortless style.
What do you love more about being a street-style photographer?
How has your life changed with the street-style explosion?
I’m doing the same things now that I did my first season of shooting - I just have a better understanding and direction. The explosion of street style is a constant reminder not to become stagnant, but also to remain creative all while respecting the art.
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Which is the most fashionable place you have visited? And the place you’d love to go to shoot street-style?
Is there someone you’d love to shoot?
Andre (3000) Benjamin
Do you have a style icon that inspires your looks?
Personal style is a matter of personality and individualism. My style is a reflection of how I view life. While I appreciate the personal style of men like Mile Davis, Frank Sinatra, Gianni Agnelli I understand that their looks worked flawlessly for them. My style inspiration comes from my life experiences.
Your are a photographer but you’re also the subject of a lot of street-style pictures, did your looks evolved or changed because of this?
My looks evolved not because of the cameras, but instead because of my growth as a person. While I still like colors, I don’t do certain combinations that I may have done in the past. Right now I’m into simplicity. While it’s flattering to get shot by the photographers, my main purpose (when entering the street-style scene) has always been to shoot, not be shot. I dress for the joy of dressing, not for the cameras.
If you had 5000 dollars to spend in fashion items, what would you buy?
Fabric! At this point I enjoy going to the fabric shop, picking out the‘perfect’ fabric and having a tailor create the piece I have in mind.
Do you read blogs? If yes would you like to recommend to our readers some to follow?
I am currently working on some projects and haven’t been looking at any blogs for the past 6 months. Right now I’m focused on creating, and don’t want to be influenced by any outside factors.
What would you suggest to young guys and girls who’d love to do a job like yours?
I encourage young people in general to pursue their passion. If street style is what they have their eye on, I believe those who are successful are those who do more than just grab a camera and play dress up. There is an art to street style the same way there is an art to writing or painting. If you want to do it for fun – enjoy, if you want to do it as a hobby – great, if you want to do it from the heart you’ll make the world a better place.
Do you think there will still be market for street-style in the future or that it will evolve in something else?
span>I believe that there will continue to be a market for street-style, but that the market will evolve as will the‘art’. The question is not will it evolve, but instead will those promoting and capturing it remain artistic?
Where will we meet you in the next months? Projects for the future?
I really did say “It’s not a blazer, it’s a SCIAMAT.”
See caption under the photo. I found this photo online today, and felt it was a great way to end the praise of SCIAMAT (for now).
While I’ve been fortunate to be the subject of a few interviews, This one posted by BOLIVARES (BVLRS.com) is certainly one of those that allowed me to share a little more of myself.
Click link to view entire interview.
All photos by Jason Jean of Citizen Couture.
Another day at the office.
Thanks Pier Guido (models jam.com) for the photo.
While I am fortunate to be the subject of a few interviews in the past, this one by Nordstrom had a different vibe. I sincerely thank the good people at Nordstrom for allowing me to share more than just photos.
Style has always been bigger than photos!
Click here to read part 2 of the 3 part series: Guerreisms / Nordstrom.
I don’t often have a chance to have a photo taken with some of the chaps that I consider friends that I’ve met along the way. Usually we’re on opposite sides of the lens. Thanks Ko for the photo. See his work here: Ko Tsuchiya.
As per Tommy Ton for Style.com
Red blazer, Super Duper Handmade Hat. Florence, Italy
As per Tommy Ton for Style.com
Red coat, Super Duper Handmade Hat. Milan, Italy
While street style has become saturated and quantity seems to have taken precedence over quality, there are still a handful of sites that truly focus on the artistic side of things. One of those sites is that of Jason Jean (Citizen Couture.com), I’ve always said he had the ‘pretty picture’ street style site.
One thing I respect about this chap is that he may take a photo this season, and not post it for a year, it’s all about when he’s ready. I wanted to share with you a few photos he posted of me and invite you to (re)visit his site for more photos.
Thanks for the love Dvora (Fashionistable)
(Don’t expect to see me posing without my camera again!)
Milan, Italy
