“You see Phipps… Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear. Just as vulgarity is simply the conduct of other people. And falsehoods the truths of other people.
Oscar Wilde’s quip spoken through Algie in An Ideal Husband gives us pause to reflect style and fashion. Written in 1895, his words ring true today.
I’m to the point in my career where I’m starting to get lost in blurred lines when it comes to having Style, having A style, and straight up branding in fashion. Being on set, talking with the industry elite, those who taught us what real Style is, mixed in with teaching at Parsons I’m finding that the definition has a wide birth in the 2000’s. And as a result is ultimately watered down.
Personally, I believe you either have Style or you don’t. I’m not as much interested in a style as I am the lasting effects of Style with a capital S. In today’s world of social media and accessibility, the idea of personal branding bleeds more into what we would consider a style. Which begs the question… is personal branding in style long lasting with a real impact? Or like a flash in the pan, has style morphed into pure commercialism to drive social media engagements, advertising, sponsorships and celebrity? Momentary and fleeting.
The studio itself can be a little daunting when it comes to styling. When a stylist is not present, I take on that role and with it field frequent questions with my private clients starting out with…
What should I wear?
To be honest, I have no idea how to answer that question based on my limited interaction with you. I mean, yes we’ve got the basics, please no pastels, knits, neons, darks are always good and the like. But for me personally, style speaking, I love simple and elegant outfits, that have charm and iconicism, that are classic with line, form and shape that enhance my subject. Fitted and regal. Bold colors, elegant patterns, and black black black. But then again, that’s just me and the Karjaka brand of photography. Simple and elegant lighting to create an iconic image.
You on the other hand might not be of that Style. Of which, I may have questions on why you’re coming to me for a session. But seriously, this is where you get to do you to make your Art. If your brand of style is ripped jeans, black v-neck tee, and a pink blazer with cowboy boots, go for it. Need to rock out with your cello and golden rod hair but still want to look like a boss? Get styled by Samantha Brown Style in gold and a dego tee. Whatever your style is, be fully self expressed in your choice to wear that in the studio. A photograph is loving ones self for the world to partake in. Heed the words of Lord Goring…
To PHIPPS …
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance, Phipps.
And it starts with your style in a Karjaka Portrait.
Aleksandr Karjaka came to New York for the music, but stayed for the visuals. As a classically trained musician, he’s had the honor of performing with some of the greatest musicians, and artistic houses, in the world. Often quoted as "Listening through his eyes." he's photographed the lives and stories of thousands of artists of all fields over the years. Here are their KARJAKA portraits.
I have a diner theory that apparently isn’t a new revelation for some of you. However for those who don’t know it or my take on it... the diner is the cosmic leveler of life. It doesn't matter who you are, or what diner you are at, there's always the gruff waitress with cigarette in her mouth, or at least that used to be the case, the soda fountain stools at the jerk counter, the various cakes on display as if museum or trophy pieces encased in glass and rotating for some reason. You and your hoard of misfits come in, sit down in plastic leather booths and the world turns.
It’s Labor Day weekend and I’m spending it in the most glamorous of locations, Jenison Michigan. Ever been? Just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan I’m crashing at the childhood home of some dear friends from college of nearly 20 years ago, a sentence I never thought I’d type. While undergrad still feels like yesterday, their newborn Shirley, or Shirl to her friends, reminds me that I have gotten old(er).
