See Like Me

This project has been sleeping for some time now, but Jonathan Waiter has brought it back to life by shooting twins Aida & Ieva in his signature style. Jonathan Waiter is a photographer living and working in New York City. Together we bring you, exclusive to See Like Me, project No. 4. Browse through all projects here.

Credits: Photography / Jonathan Waiter // Models / Aida & Ieva @ Marilyn g

New photographer duo (well, to me at least) Herring + Herring ended up in my inbox the other day, and I was quite taken aback. Not only because they were different from most of the “designer collection” emails I usually get (please stop sending your collections, I don’t care for clothes and won’t post them), but because their sadistic approach for Bound was a refreshing look at the tribal blandness editorials that have been the craze as of late. Finally, somebody who knows how to make misogyny sexy. This editorial is for Zink. Images courtesy of Herring + Herring.

Before moving ahead, read the interview.

Rarely do I believe that articles need a “response”, but solely based on the fact that this is Hedi Slimane’s first interview in almost three years, it seems an opportune decision. Hedi Slimane has somehow mastered the art of control by letting things happen in his wake. It seems almost ridiculous to repeat that he’s invented the skinny silhouette, the leaving design at the height of your career (Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang), a new dance style called jerking, a new found fascination with young boys in Britain, and much of the indie aesthetic. While it may be hard to believe he single-handedly created all of this, it’s pertinent that he definitely had a hand in bringing all of these styles out of obscurity. The one thing I find strange is how many people haven’t heard of this man. He’s seemingly created so much in so little time but if you found five strangers who knew his name you’d be on a roll. I’ll be surprised if everybody that reads this knows who I’m talking about even though my readership is as niche as The Drums — the band Hedi Slimane believes will start a new movement.

The most peculiar thing in this entire phenomenon is how Hedi Slimane, or whatever genius seems to be possessing him, is immaculate at selecting the next big thing, at predicting the next wave to hit our shores. And equally peculiar, is that I think he is right, with bands like The xx, who seem to live along the same strain as The Drums, growing exponentially in popularity. While I’m not qualified in music, I think Hedi is onto something. The other thing about him that I cannot escape, is how his genius is the most subtle at self-proclaiming what has come and what is to come. The future of fashion, they call it. Hedi’s genius predicts that the internet is the biggest frontier that could possibly wipe out magazines (a battle that’s already started), take out fashion shows, and jeopardize everything a university major was required for. According to Hedi, the fashion industry is headed in the same direction that the music and film industries have recently been transported to, to the demise of the industry heads who have been trying to control the pandemonium. Subtle comments like, “In general, luxury fashion houses are like royalty. They live to preserve and cherish the crown jewels and the symbols of their divine power, no matter what it takes.” The translation: luxury fashion houses better make sure every bloody stitch they sew contains an ounce of “luxury power”, royalty and structure or they could be in danger of evaporating into myth.

The basic nature behind this article is that the future is exciting, and if you haven’t learned how to embrace it then you’ll soon find yourself having little relevance to fashion whatsoever. Invent something new.

Is there anything else you would like to say about the “future of fashion” that I neglected to ask?
Oh, well, at the end of the day, the future is always the same story, minus the digital revolution and its collaterals. The future has to be bright. It is the nature of fashion to evolve, only this time it might evolve more than ever, with seat belts optional.

Continuing with my series of film photographers who are frontrunners of the film revival, I introduce to you Ana Kras from Belgrade, Serbia. Other frontrunners of the film revival include Sophie Curtis, Hana Pesut, Kristie Muller, and Ian Markell. Check out Ana Kras’s blog and site.

“I was always fascinated when I watched old war movies where the girls get married by proxy over the phone to husbands across the sea and they’d say, ‘I hear you, my darling!’ and I always thought how great it would be if they just stayed that way, they’d be so happy. I guess they wanted the monthly check, though” // Andy Warhol

I almost tried completely ignoring this editorial. That didn’t work. Then I tried calling up Abbey Lee for a night on the town. Didn’t work either. Her agency wouldn’t give me her phone number. I mean, since when do agencies not give out private information? This is probably why I spent my Valentine’s day alone… Ronald Dick shoots her for the new issue of Pop.

While us Canadians don’t have too much of a claim to fame besides our lush wilderness and overabundance of clean air, it’s nice to see that we can also supply human beauty from time to time. Mode Models is one of those eyes on the prowl for the next set of cheekbones or puppy-worthy pout. Home to some of the best in the industry like Heather Marks, Simon Nessman, Meghan Collison, Terron Wood… Oh, and there was one more… Oh, right, Taylor Fuchs! While all of these familiar faces are important to fashion, up-and-comer Mitch Baker is a fresh face that should be put to work.

Gushing over Gustavsson once more as she poses in an everything-in-one editorial for Vogue Deutsch shot by Greg Kadel. Seriously, these could all be separate editorials. I think they’re trying to bring out her diversity. The next Karlie Kloss, maybe? I’m still shocked by those shoes. In the wake of McQueen’s death I only think value has been added to anything he has created. Sad, but true. Frida Gustavsson looks a bit (and use your imagination here) like Abbey Lee Kershaw, no?

A collective of three amazing photographers presents itself in the form of Out Here Over There, a place where their similar styles and aesthetics come together to take some of the best I’ve seen on film. Film is coming back, just to warn everybody out there. Buy back those film cameras you sold to make way for the digital age. Nostalgia always wins. Today, we feature Sophie Curtis. Click here to see more.

Cher Vous, s’il vous plaît excuser mon mauvais français.

Oui, je sais que la plupart de vous ne peut rien comprendre. Mais quand même, j’ai quelque chose d’important à vous dire. Alors, vous pouvez savoir que à ce moment je vis à Vancouver, Canada. La bonne nouvelle, ce dont peut être très important pour vous de savoir, c’est que je déménagerai à la belle ville de Paris. Ceci dit, je sais qu’il y a un peu de vous qui vit sur l’Ile de France. C’est une de les plus connues villes du monde, mais apart de la tour Eiffel et des choses comme ceci, je connais très peu de Paris. Donc, ce que je vous demande, c’est de me donner tout l’information qu’il est nécessaire. Je cherche où vivre, que faire, et qui connaître (mais aucun merde de touriste). Si personne ne veut m’aider, au moins je voulais vous laisser savoir que j’y serai en Septembre. S’il y a quelqu’un qui veut hôter un blogger de mode, ou veut rehausser mon expérience par-là, je vous remercie pour tout. Envoyez-moi un courriel.

Sincèrement, Trey

My shabby translation of my even shabbier French:
Dear You, please excuse my poor excuse for French.

I have something important to share with you. You may be aware that at the moment I’m living in Vancouver, Canada (an obvious mecca for fashion). I will be moving to the beautiful city of Paris. Having said that, I know that some of you who frequent my blog also live in Paris. It’s one of the most well known cities in the world, but besides the Eiffel tower and things like this, I don’t know a whole lot about the place. Therefore, what I’m asking you is for anything and everything you know about Paris to help me out. I’m looking for where to live, what to do, and who to know (but no tourist shit). If nobody wants to help me, at least know that I will be stationed in Paris from September on. If there is anybody living there that would like to host a fickle fashion blogger or wants to enhance my experience there, I welcome your offer. Send me an email.

Sincerely, Trey
P.S. (not included in the French section above) I really want to live with somebody cool. Like Louis Vuitton, or Hedi Slimane, or Lou Doillon. As long as their last name rhymes with something or ends with “on”. P.P.S. Since I’m Canadian and have no bank account in France, I won’t be able to rent by myself, and so if you are French and are looking for a roomy, I’m practically invisible and don’t smell.

I really want this to happen to me while I’m there.

I’ve had an eye on Naleye Junior every since photographer Anouk Morgan shot his stunning mug for the We Own The Night issue of Ilovefake. I haven’t seen anybody come close to looking like Naleye Junior, or having as peculiar a name [his real name is Naleye Dolmans]. The only thing I can tell you is that this kid likes to have a good time, but is as humble as it gets. All photos / Jolijn Snijders for CE / Anouk Morgan for Ilovefake

Trey Taylor: Can you please fill this out?
Name: Naleye Junior
Age: 20
Occupation: Lookingprettyforaliving..
Currently Resides: I live in Amsterdam..
Favourite Song: Broken Bells / The High Road

TT: Are you aware that your initals are an abbreviation for one of the fifty states? Ever been to the States?
NJ: Must be New Jersey… The Jersey Shore creates a pretty funny stereotype of Americans. Yes I have been to the states, New York a few times, it’s a great city.

TT: Okay, so I don’t think you live up to the Dutch stereotype of blond hair and legs the size of a windmill. Are you completely Dutch, or do you have roots in other countries?
NJ: I’m not completely Dutch. My mom is Dutch but my dad has Vietnamese and Somalian blood.

TT: How is it to work with Jolijn Snijders?
NJ: Working with Jolijn Snijders was fun and we got along great. Too bad the day went by so quick. I only worked with her once and I would love to work with her again some time.

TT: Do you have any ambitions to make it to the top of the business? Or is this just something fun that in time will pass?
NJ: Modelling is something that just fell into my lap. I had a revelation today, God spoke to me and told me to be an actor, so here it goes.

TT: What do you think about the earthquake in Haiti?
NJ: I don’t think about it, I just pray for those people!

TT: If you could watch just one film for the rest of your life, which film would it be?
NJ: Dazed and Confused, never gets old.

TT: What are all the tattoos you have and their meanings if they have any?
NJ: I only have two. I’ve my mother on my right foot! And I carry my little brothers on my arm.

TT: Do you think that the demand for skinny male models will eventually die down, or thrive like it has with female models?
NJ: I really don’t know, and actually I don’t care either. I think most of the time beauty is overrated.

TT: What instruments do you play?
NJ: Harmonica and I like to think I can play guitar, but I suck.

TT: Was your hair always that long? Does it ever bother you?
NJ: I was born bald and I haven’t cut it since…..uhmm actually that’s a lie..! It never bothers me. My friend Leontine at Le Souk takes great care of it.

TT: If you had to be famous, would you want to send a message with the work that you did?
NJ: Yes, but doesn’t all work send a message?

TT: Do you believe in art or science?
NJ: Depends on the type of person, some people are left brain people, and some right brain people, go with your natural talent. I relate more to art because I suck in science and maths. And above all, art is not committed to any rules or limits.

TT: Leave us with something that will make me fly to Amsterdam (money is always good).
NJ: You can get your joint worked for about $30. Or you can buy some tulips for your mother. Or you can just eat cheese. Or not. Whatever… g

Jeffrey Cohen captures Simon Nessman and Gillian Staples for Contributing Editor’s Boy Meets Girl. Did you catch Simon in Bruce Weber’s Ain’t Nothin’ Like the Real Thing? I don’t know much about Gillian Staples, but I do know that Arthur Sales managed to sail his way into 200 pages of L’Officiel Hommes. Okay, enough news. It’s been awhile since I’ve been around. The Olympics are taking over, seriously. I also have some very important news I’ll be announcing later on. Important for me. But it could possibly involve you, too. All photos Jeffrey Cohen / Contributing Editor

Featuring quite the bounty of models, Love’s video The Love Thing made specifically for some holiday we’re celebrating. It’s the Olympics here. Let’s enjoy a minute of love around the world to celebrate Valentine’s! Happy Valentine’s Day!

In the wake of Lee McQueen’s death, I thought it appropriate for those who did not know the man, and for those who did, to take a retrospective look at how he changed fashion. While many may appreciate his eloquent and other-worldy designs, I wanted to showcase another side of McQueen that I think equally impacted the fashion industry. His shows were always unparalleled in the facet of performance art, and they brought together his designer genius in a spectacle that revolutionized the way clothes are presented. I’m sorry it turned out so small, all the video was taking off of YouTube. Includes footage from McQueen S/S 1999, 2008, 2010 + F/W 2010 (and probably others that I’ve forgotten to mention). Also includes the artwork of Danny Roberts. If you were at all a fan, I beg you to cheer with me, “Long Live McQueen!”

Even with the recent news of Lee McQueen’s suicide, the show must go on. Here is something you might not have seen. A shoot from the archives with amazing Lily Cole in 2005, the doll-like Brit teamed up with Sølve Sundsbo to create, what I believe to be, a timeless editorial. I mean, five years later I think this is still considered futuristic. Also happened upon this rare interview with the man himself at SHOWstudio.

The relaunch of Pop is causing quite the stir lately, especially with this video featuring the Queen of the Collar Bone, Australian Abbey Lee Kershaw. Remember her way back when? Not only is this the first motion segment Pop has ever produced, it’s… it’s the first motion segment Pop has ever produced. The images below are from Muse #20. I can’t wait to lay my eyes on some more biker chick, extreme Abbey Lee action! Who’s with me? And just in case you’ve never heard of Richard Prince before, it’s probably for good reason. He’s a crazy good artist who you’d never expect to work on something like this. He did an interview with NY Mag, and let’s just say, “Richard Prince started to re-photograph magazine ads featuring the Marlboro Man; since then, he’s given biker chicks, Borscht Belt jokes, celebrity autographs, and pulp-fiction nurses the legitimizing stamp of “appropriation art.”

Continuing my obsession with the Dutch, I introduce you to Richard Bakker, who shot the editorial of Minke Boot for See Like Me’s Rare Issue, and who is a very talented photographer. I’m going to start work on a Rare Issue rework that will be significantly less pages and therefore significantly cheaper to buy. Details to come. For now, let’s melt while staring at the stunning photos of Richard Bakker.

I don’t know if it would be insulting to call Yuri Pleskun the “white thug” of modeling, but with every turn of my head I see him, so whatever he’s doing it’s working for him. This kid breaks the boundaries of every male model convention that was set out (for example, his love of fried chicken) but manages to take advantage of the fact that he’s of a different breed. Born in the Bronx with Ukrainian roots, Yuri had trouble in his high school days, but with a solid portfolio under his belt, I think it’s about time we were introduced. First image courtesy / CE

ZARRELLA: Do you ever get into fights these days?
PLESKUN: Somehow trouble always follows me. I can’t get away from it. And I’m not one of those types of people who walks away. I’ve gotta finish it off right.
ZARRELLA: Are you a “bad boy”?
PLESKUN: No, I’m a good boy! I’m innocent!