Free Me

It is always a pleasure to find old projects on the Internet when you are googling yourself "just in case" when doing random searches. I came across this shoot I did with Anthony Deeying, a dear and talented friend of mine whom I've worked with many times before. Pulling clothing for this shoot was relatively painless. Many pieces came from my personal wardrobe. I was unaware that this project would be optioned for a magazine, and it was a surprise to see it published in TANTALUM (read the Anthony's interview below). Maybe I did read this forever ago, but for some reason it was so new to me to see it again...

TANTALUM: Anthony, thank you for your amazing story "FREE ME" for the first issue of Tantalum can you tell us how the editorial came about?
ANTHONY DEEYING: The editorial came to life thanks to the stylist; Jerome Ison. He loves patterns especially Starts/Polka dots/stripes. He was able to pull pieces that focused on mixed patterns in the same color palette and add stacks of bracelets which is his go to personal style as well.
TANTALUM: The model has such great presence, did you direct her or did she just bust out in those moves?
ANTHONY DEEYING: Evan is one of the best movers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. We gave her some 'key' poses to mimic and she ran with it... we had music playing and she got into the mood and went to town. Her hair was also so amazing, between hair flips and wind she made it work.
TANTALUM: Whose idea was it to use a leather harness usually reserved for The Folsom st fair mixed with a vintage cardigan!?
ANTHONY DEEYING: The Harness is actually designed by Zana Bayne (www.zanabayne.com) who is a dear friend of the stylist. Her pieces are addictive! beautifully hand made, and just will make any outfit so cool.
TANTALUM: The images are far less static then typical fashion editorials, do you find that sense of movement is common in your style of shooting?
ANTHONY DEEYING: Movement is very common in my shooting. As much as I love the standstill poses in other editorials - My style is very much emotion and movement, giving the freedom to the model to make it their own with the mood we've worked on for the shoot.
TANTALUM: How did you get into photography? was it something you always wanted to do or was it a fortunate accident?
ANTHONY DEEYING: I've been fortunate enough to be in the arts my entire life. I was apart of an intense magnet program in high school that specialized in fine arts so I was able to be in the dark room and learn colors, patterns, you name it from some amazing teachers at a young age. But photography as a job I never thought - originally I wanted to design, but then got bored and tried photographing my friends... submitted them to agencies and was booked for my first test shoot the next day.
TANTALUM: Do you have any mentors/muses?
ANTHONY DEEYING: Muses, yes.. many - I love awkward people... not the typical 'pretty models' I like character that comes out in photos. Evan (in this editorial) is definitely a muse for me. I wouldn't narrow it down to just one person, but a handful of amazing talent i've been able to photograph and produce amazing pieces. Mentors; I absolutely adore Steven Klein's work - I'm a goth kid at heart and the dark, emotional images he's able to produce just blow my mind and I think he's a genius. Also Hedi Slimane is a huge influence - the raw simplicity of his work is something I've admired and respect.
TANTALUM: What do you look for when figuring out who to use for your editorial team??
ANTHONY DEEYING: I work very hard to narrow down talent. I sort through so many books and websites seeing what the stylists/makeup artists have to offer. It's extremely taxing, but I do it because I know what I want and who will be able to deliver it. I love giving up and coming people a chance, but it's done after much research of them. haha. I'm very picky.
TANTALUM: What inspires you?
ANTHONY DEEYING: Again, movement/emotion is a major thing for me.
TANTALUM: How did it feel to see you work in print for the very first time??
ANTHONY DEEYING: Actually, the first time my work was published in print I took the cover of the magazine! The editor actually had an original cover already lined up but saw my shots, pulled it.. and replaced the image for the cover with the one I shot. It was for a French magazine, and I was fortunate to get a cover and three page feature in the issue! I also ended up being in Paris while the issue was on stands - so walking around Paris and seeing my image on the cover was beyond incredible.
TANTALUM: Final thoughts funny stuff that happened on shoot day??
ANTHONY DEEYING: To get the movement shots Evan had to be jumping around, dancing, whipping her hair around in the studio with no A/C poor thing had to break every now and then to get her makeup and hair reset because she was breaking a sweat. But she looked amazing and was definitely a trooper.

- jerome

Life: Day 9,125

I TURN 25 TODAY

Happy birthday to me! My quarter life crisis is going smoothly so far. And nothing says "Happy Birthday" like having an exclusive published with The Fashionisto. Check out my latest collaboration with Anthony Deeying. I am so proud!



I have been dying to share these images, but keeping projects under wraps until publishing is part of the business! For the full story, check out The Fashionisto. Now I am off to go eat and shop. It's my birthday!!

- jerome

He's Got the Look

Photos from The Fashionisto
Stylist Charlotte Brière must be a kindred spirit. This editorial for Hungarian magazine The Room showcases my current favsies: random exaggerated footwear styles, fashion cholo silhouette, man peplum realness (faked by color blocking). I do love my color lately, but this black and white color palette may ironically be my summer inspiration.

- jerome

Samuel

MAKING MAGIC WITH ANTHONY DEEYING
My dear friend Anthony and I worked together to shoot Samuel Ferrier (Q Models, NYC). It was really fun putting together a shoot based on military uniforms. There is a whimsical aspect to the decoration of soldiers, particularly in the chords, epaulets, and badges. Of course, not all of the pictures can be selected, but thankfully Sam is a pro and turned it out.


(from top to bottom) Sam wears a Vintage Bulgarian Aiguillette, Cutt-off Shirt by Neil Barrett, Trousers by Helmut Lang, Vintage Jacket, Tee by Pleasure Principle, Short by Shipley & Halmos, Boots by Dr. Martens

Watch out for Sam. Not only is he a natural model with the grace and physique to match, but he is also the biggest sweetheart! It was such a pleasure to work with Sam and Anthony. I am beyond proud that this set made it to The Fashionisto!! Go team :)



- jerome

Slow Spring Start

Behold the handsome Dan Felton photographed by Thomas Cooksey in this month's Vision Magazine. The combination of punk boy and dandy duds really sings to me. A juxtaposition of polished tailoring with a devil-may-care attitude does it for me every time. I need to start beefing up my Spring apparel, taking a break from my accessories obsession.
Photos via The Fashionisto
I have been feeling hella frumpy less than posh lately. Perhaps it is because spring has not fully sprung here in San Francisco and my main goal is to stay warm. We received a small stint of heat, but even the sunshine we have now is trumped by chilling and aggressive winds. At least 5 people I know have tweeted something along the lines of, "Like srsly the wind literally almost knocked me over. #SFisthenewChicago" today. How I ache for warmer weather when I can wear a nice blazer rather than my uniform of fishtail parka or trench. If good things come to those who wait, I DEMAND an Indian Summer.

- jerome

7 X's, 7 Days Part 3: Japanese Style

X #3 of 7: The Kimono Shrug
7XL Tee, Denim by H&M, Tank by Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane, Vintage Zori
I love a good kimono. The weight, the volume, and the costume of beautiful Japanese silk can be an amazing addition to any closet. Not everyone can/will wear one outside of the house, but kimonos create impact for those who wear them well. Vibrant colors and print usually discourage the average person from wearing the traditional Japanese garment on the street, which is a shame because the shape is really beautiful. By draping the 7XL shirt over the shoulders, you can simulate the look and feel of a Kimono.


There is a certain romance to clothing with volume, so try experimenting with oversized clothing and larger sizes. I am wearing the tee over a thinning Dior Homme tank. This was my first Dior piece and has aged beautifully. My favorite part of the tank is the discreet bee logo, still found on select pieces from the brand.

Vogue Hommes Japan s/s 2011 Issue Vol.6: Eastern Promise
In other news, I just picked up the fabulous new issue of Vogue Hommes Japan. It was really expensive. I am heart broken because I am starting to feel how much fashion magazines cost ever since I started paying for my own stuff in this recession. And you will get why the burn is particularly scathing in my next inventory post. But I feel it is my duty to contribute to the magazine industry. I get that most editorial spreads are available online, but I still believe in the power of print. There is nothing like having a fashion magazine in your bag and waiting anxiously during the day to get lost in it. Luckily this magazine never fails to impress. So worth it ♥


- jerome

Stacked

All bracelets by Hermés, Barbed Wire Ring by Burberry Prorsum, Sea Creature Ring by Ugo Cacciatori, Vintage Rings
This is how my wrists have been looking lately. I have been spending a lot of time hunting down accessories. Bracelets are my new fetish, along with my undying love for rings, leather goods, and shoes. On top of all this, I have made great strides in decorating my house. Something slowed down the creative process these passed months and my dwelling has not yet reached its full potential. Thankfully I stumbled upon the perfect pieces for the living room. Pictures to come soon.


The second issue of Industrie Magazine is also out on newsstands (the one where the cover shows Marc Jacobs is in drag). It was heartbreaking to buy it at the Borders by my work because I discovered the location was closing down. Borders served as a convenient/surprisingly dependable source for most of my favorite fashion magazines. I am sad to see it go. Anyway, this issue of Industrie reviews a list of influential fashion people in 2010. The magazine is "dedicated to the culture of fashion," making the content particularly current and relevant because we live in a new age where magazine editors, writers/bloggers, and photographers are celebrities. The new year has already garnered enough content to write about for the rest of 2011. Carine Roitfeld's departure from French Vogue, John Galliano's dismissal from Dior, and now Kim Jones' new direction Louis Vuitton are all a bit mind blowing right now.

BTW Congratulations, Mr. Jones. I love your work with Umbro, and I cannot wait to see what you do with the menswear collections at Louis Vuitton. Sorry that your moment is totally eclipsed by Galliano's epic scandal.


- jerome

Dreaming of Vacation

Miles Aldridge for L’Uomo Vogue 2005
So it looks like my plans to go to NYFW have been foiled. I suppose this gives me more time to save for another Birkin Milan Fashion Week in June!! That being said, it is clear that I need a vacation. First, my blog has been neglected and my days off are filled with photoshoots and house cleaning. Not that I don't enjoy shoots, but technically I haven't had a day off in months. Second, I realized how much I miss my friends. They are an inspiration, and many are leaving San Francisco so I have to spend time with them while I can. Perhaps I can take a staycation. Or eff it all, let's all go to Mardi Gras in March??


This editorial is pretty fantastic and sums up what I want my future to look like: exotic luggage, sharp suits, and salt and pepper business menz all up in my first class. I remember this spread in L’Uomo Vogue back in 2005. It captured the vibrant colors and luxe vibe that I was really feeling at the moment. Things have come full circle. I mean, who could forget Vincent Lacrocq?? EVER?? Someone take me on a private jet to go shopping.

<3

- jerome

Fresh Faces - Jacob Crumbley

Jacob wears Polo by Comme des Garçons X H&M
Happy New Year, everyone! It has been a crazy busy past couple of weeks. Work is slowly but surely coming back to a normal load and pace, so I hope to be back blogging to you at regular intervals. Apart from my day job, I told you I have been doing some styling work with some amazing talent. It totally paid off!

Behold, a "portrait session" with Jacob Crumbley. Major models in NYC signed him after just an online video and a few photos. What a face!! I had the pleasure of working with him under the direction of my good friend Anthony Deeying. My inspiration came from Jacob's boyish charms. Don't miss the plush-toy necklace and Manicorn tank!! I am so proud of this work. And if you want more, THE STORY CAN BE SEEN ON THE FASHIONISTO!!! Consider my mind blown.


Custom tee, stylist's own; Scrimmage sweater by Y-3, Custom Rilakkuma Plush-toy necklace, stylist's own, Khakis by J.Crew; Manicorn tank by Berhard Willhelm.

Thanks for sticking with me!! I hope everyone had a safe and joyous holiday. Back to work!!

- jerome

Balikbayan

I feel absolutely horrible about the blog neglect. The holidays are like the Olympics of retail, and the stress and hard work has taken its toll. My days begin with work and end with house chores, and holiday shopping in between. I am almost finished with my gifting, but there is added pressure this year for my family. I mean IF I GOT MYSELF A FRIGGIN' BIRKIN, THEIR PRESENTS BETTER BE GOOD time is running out. I hope your holiday shopping is right on track!!

Anyway, with the Birkin acquisition during less-than-ideal weather, I long for warmer weather and sun. Cloudy days keep me paranoid about bringing out my favorite leather goods. But more than anything I am sick of this muggy winter. I want to go to the Philippines to do some beaching, shopping, sunning, relaxing, resorting, and resetting! It might be time for a vacation. TOP MODEL INSPIRATION EDITORIAL TIME!

Daria Werbowy in French Vogue

One day I will have my own photographer to take pictures of me doing cool stuff like this.

- jerome

You Know It's a Classic When...

Photo posted by @ProenzaSchouler via Twitter

Proenza Schouler posted a picture of the newest reincarnation of the PS1. From Mulberry to McQueen, there are so many look alikes out there that the PS1 might actually be considered a classic. This bag has functionality, keeps interest (I AM STILL WAITING FOR ONE), and has been produced in a variety of colors, textiles, and skins. But there is one finish that truly tests the makings of a classic handbag - enter: the patent PS1. I am not sure how I feel about this one yet, but flags go up when something is produced in patent leather.

Judging purely on the basis of wear, drape, and usage frequency, patent might not be the best look for a leather PS1 because such a finish cracks and peels over time, losing the "wetness" the owner fell in love with to begin with. The PS1 is an easy everyday bag that should build a beautiful patina over time, not lose its luster.


In other news, Marc Jacobs poses in drag for the latest cover of Industrie Magazine. Hope you can handle all that ferosh. If you disagree, he is MARC JACOBS and you hella aren't then take it up with Patrick Demarchelier (the guy who did all those other covers that make you not eat) and Katie Grand (the voice inside your head that says, "I NEED EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE.").



- jerome

You Are Always On My Mind

INFLUENCE
What I'm going for right now.


1. Leopard footwear, an accessory with strong presence in a minimal ensemble. Gum soles and platform shoes for height and balance. These high-tops are by 3.1 Phillip Lim, of course.
2. Creepers for preps to bring evil to an otherwise perfectly polished look. This fit brought to you by Julie Brooke Williams for Inked Magazine.
3. The ultimate tailored minimalist look naturally compliments my current obsession with accessories. Everyone join the cult of Phoebe Philo. Styling by Alastair McKimm for Harper’s Bazaar US.

- jerome

Anniversary Issue

J'ADORE ADR!

I CANNOT WAIT. 10Mag's cover star for their anniversary issue is none other than Anna Dello Russo. WERK. First Tony Ward and now ADR? This is fashion mag heaven!

- jerome

DIGITAL COPY

All images from Vogue Hommes Japan
Here are some of my favorite moving pictures from Vogue Hommes Japan's digital issue. It seems that everything comes with a digital copy these days, even our favorite magazines.


- jerome