Italian Vogue Video Interview: Ubah Hassan

Ubah Hassan for Italian Vogue, ph: Steven Meisel

Ubah's video interview with Bethann Hardison can be seen at vogue.it:

The Somali model was launched by Ralph Lauren in 2008 and is now a promising star in the world of fashion: groomed, entertaining and totally engaging

I first learned of Ubah because she was booked to do designer Stephen Burrows's presentation and the night before, she was then confirmed to do Ralph Lauren. It was the gracious attitude of Burrrows, how happy he was for this model who left a hole in his lineup at the last minute. He expressed to me, as we scurried to find another model, "she is just so nice, Bethann".

Meeting Ubah exudes beyond "nice". She is nice. But that word nice defines many things when you speak of Ubah. She is mannered, groomed, entertaining, quick sense of wit, courteous, great body length (impressive for any designer) charming and respectful regarding the efforts of others and totally engaging. That's Ubah, all at once. You will experience it immediately.

Let me also say, my interview with Ubah was the most fun. We laughed often and talking with her I actually learned things. I love the way her mind works. I am also happy she has found solid model career representation, as it makes a huge difference for the disposition of a model in a industry, like all talent driven industries, that you need someone (your rep) having your back.

The Ralph Lauren collection presentation was the kickoff to Ubah's "now you see me" career in September 2008. Prior to that, she was featured, in the July 2008 all Black Issue of Vogue Italia and shot by Steven Meisel. The Ralph Lauren follow up to the collection showing, Ubah was then featured in his advertising campaign in January 2009. Which was amazing in its self. It was not just Ralph Lauren, it was gorgeous Ralph, inspired by North Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco. When Ralph Lauren uses a model of color, i.e. Tyson Beckford, it feels bigger than life. It affects your psyche. Perhaps because I am of color, I feel that way. Especially when it is a stunning image.
Ubah was again, in Vogue Italia's January 2009 issue, shot by famed photographer Bruce Weber. That following April, she starred in a video with Iman discussing diversity and race in fashion and later don the ARISE magazine February 2009 cover.

Nice to know, that Models.com featured Ubah as Model of the Week in May 2008. And that was before things really started to happen. Discovering and introducing models is what Models.Com does. Recognizing them at every stage is what I long to do. Sharing Ubah at this moment has been a delight.

Name: Ubah Hassan.

Dream Gig: "Beauty company. Working for UN."

What's next: "Being that it's such an unpredictable business you never know but I always have hope that whatever is next it will be positive."

Personal style: "Depends on my mood. I love being comfortable."

Jewelry: "I don't wear much jewelry."

Hair: "Long or short. It depends on the job."

Fashion tip: "Dress according to your body type. Have your own style."

Favorite dress: "Simple black dress."

Favorite city: "New York. Anything is possible here."

Favorite music: "Jazz and blues; I love Michael Bublé."

Favorite food: "Rice and beans."

Favorite drink: "Coconut water."

Favorite movie:Planet Earth by Marc Daniels.

Favorite book: Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. I think every women should read this book."

Favorite designers: "Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Roy - I love her clothes."

Style icon: "Queen Rania of Jordan. I admire the way she lives her life."

First thing in the morning: "Hot water and lemon."

Last thing before bed: "Ginger tea and I say a prayer."

Obsessed with: "Habanero chili."

Personal motto: "Give back. Be impeccable with your words."

Birthday: 27th August

Lives in: New York

Italian Vogue Video Interview: Ubah Hassan

Ubah Hassan for Italian Vogue, ph: Steven Meisel

Ubah's video interview with Bethann Hardison can be seen at vogue.it:

The Somali model was launched by Ralph Lauren in 2008 and is now a promising star in the world of fashion: groomed, entertaining and totally engaging

I first learned of Ubah because she was booked to do designer Stephen Burrows's presentation and the night before, she was then confirmed to do Ralph Lauren. It was the gracious attitude of Burrrows, how happy he was for this model who left a hole in his lineup at the last minute. He expressed to me, as we scurried to find another model, "she is just so nice, Bethann".

Meeting Ubah exudes beyond "nice". She is nice. But that word nice defines many things when you speak of Ubah. She is mannered, groomed, entertaining, quick sense of wit, courteous, great body length (impressive for any designer) charming and respectful regarding the efforts of others and totally engaging. That's Ubah, all at once. You will experience it immediately.

Let me also say, my interview with Ubah was the most fun. We laughed often and talking with her I actually learned things. I love the way her mind works. I am also happy she has found solid model career representation, as it makes a huge difference for the disposition of a model in a industry, like all talent driven industries, that you need someone (your rep) having your back.

The Ralph Lauren collection presentation was the kickoff to Ubah's "now you see me" career in September 2008. Prior to that, she was featured, in the July 2008 all Black Issue of Vogue Italia and shot by Steven Meisel. The Ralph Lauren follow up to the collection showing, Ubah was then featured in his advertising campaign in January 2009. Which was amazing in its self. It was not just Ralph Lauren, it was gorgeous Ralph, inspired by North Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco. When Ralph Lauren uses a model of color, i.e. Tyson Beckford, it feels bigger than life. It affects your psyche. Perhaps because I am of color, I feel that way. Especially when it is a stunning image.
Ubah was again, in Vogue Italia's January 2009 issue, shot by famed photographer Bruce Weber. That following April, she starred in a video with Iman discussing diversity and race in fashion and later don the ARISE magazine February 2009 cover.

Nice to know, that Models.com featured Ubah as Model of the Week in May 2008. And that was before things really started to happen. Discovering and introducing models is what Models.Com does. Recognizing them at every stage is what I long to do. Sharing Ubah at this moment has been a delight.

Name: Ubah Hassan.

Dream Gig: "Beauty company. Working for UN."

What's next: "Being that it's such an unpredictable business you never know but I always have hope that whatever is next it will be positive."

Personal style: "Depends on my mood. I love being comfortable."

Jewelry: "I don't wear much jewelry."

Hair: "Long or short. It depends on the job."

Fashion tip: "Dress according to your body type. Have your own style."

Favorite dress: "Simple black dress."

Favorite city: "New York. Anything is possible here."

Favorite music: "Jazz and blues; I love Michael Bublé."

Favorite food: "Rice and beans."

Favorite drink: "Coconut water."

Favorite movie:Planet Earth by Marc Daniels.

Favorite book: Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. I think every women should read this book."

Favorite designers: "Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Roy - I love her clothes."

Style icon: "Queen Rania of Jordan. I admire the way she lives her life."

First thing in the morning: "Hot water and lemon."

Last thing before bed: "Ginger tea and I say a prayer."

Obsessed with: "Habanero chili."

Personal motto: "Give back. Be impeccable with your words."

Birthday: 27th August

Lives in: New York

Jeremy Laing, Photo: Bruce Weber for W Magazine

W Magazine
Photo: Bruce Weber
Stylist: Alex White
Center: Jeremy Laing



From W Magazine:

Some designers start with a sketch. others, by draping on a form. For Canadian Jeremy Laing, however, the process kicks off with a little origami handiwork. "I work out how to achieve a shape by cutting and folding paper," Laing says. It explains the rather clean and architectural ethos behind his three-year-old line - and belies those formative years spent in Alexander McQueen's studio constructing high-drama runway showpieces. As Laing describes it, his collection is about the "appearance of simplicity that hides a complexity." But for all that apparent intellectualism, his fall collection is partly inspired by artist Josef Albers and kaleidoscopic symmetry - his clothes are easy, no-fuss wares. Prime examples: a billowy tank dress and a simple sheath with rivet details.

Jeremy Laing - Heather Marks, Photo: Chadwick Tyler

Chadwick Tyler photographed Heather Marks for Jeremy Laing on February 19, 2009 at F Space Gallery, 599 11th Avenue, New York.

Jeremy Laing Fall 2009
Model: Heather Marks
Photographer: Chadwick Tyler

Suddenly Last Summer: How an obsession with Elizabeth Taylor helped make me the man I am today

Elizabeth Taylor is a real beauty. Even in black + white you can tell she has violet eyes.

Anyone who cares about beauty owes it to themselves to see Suddenly Last Summer.

Wayne took my advice, saw Suddenly Last Summer and fell under Elizabeth Taylor's spell......



Howard Rosenman credits Elizabeth Taylor for making him the man he is today. He shared his story with the LA Times Magazine:

In 1973, I met a handsome young model named Bruce Weber and a friendship was forged over a mutual obsession with Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty. He went on to become one of the world’s greatest photographers. He has shot Elizabeth many, many times (and has become a great friend). In fact, he and I exchange rare pictures of Elizabeth for Christmas and our birthdays almost every year.

The entire article can be read here.

Women Loves Robert Nethery

Robert Nethery was born in Amityville, New York on the south shore of Long Island. Amityville is the town immediately to the east of where I grew up. At 2 years old he relocated to Miami, Florida. He grew up around the beach and sun of South Florida, becoming obsessed with skateboarding and then with surfing.

During middle school he started listening to punk music when all the other kids were listening to freestyle and the booty bass of Luther Campbell. He loved the good stuff as well so he became the surfer kid who listened to punk music but could still go to a house party and get down dancing to Stacey Q and 2 Live Crew. Working at the surf shop was his high school job. Going out at night in Miami at an early age exposed him to decadent people living the glamorous life.

Robert studied Graphic Design at the New England School of Art and Design in Boston. After school he returned to Miami. Through connections he made working at the surf shop in high school he started assisting photographers shooting editorial (as well as German catalogs) in Miami.

In Robert's own words:

Then one day I got a phone call from my good friend and ex boss Scott from the surfshop and he was telling me this guy Bruce was in the store and he is a photographer and that he had told him about me doing photo assisting and that if he ever needed an assistant he should call me. I didn't think much of it because we always had photographers shop there. Then about a week later I got a phone call from Bruce Weber I couldn't believe it he asked me if I was interested in working with him and that if so I should come meet his assistants in Miami. I went to meet them and did a job with them that weekend I ended up working with him for 2 years as his full time assistant traveling and having the experience of my life. I got to meet amazing people and see places that most likely I would have never visited. I also learned not only the technical aspect of photography but how to use a medium to tell a story and convey an idea from one of the best photographers in the world. I left Bruce's camp about a year and a half ago and now I'm working on my own photographs for fashion publications, other clients and always trying to capture what I remember growing up and trying to create the fantasy that I always wanted to live in but couldn't outside of my photographs.

That's when I began working with Robert. In October he emailed me an image that inspired him: a beautiful woman wearing a bodysuit with spaghetti straps and black hosiery. The image inspired me as well, and we discussed the idea of myself styling a shoot with him. We also discussed who was the right woman to photograph, and the right time.

Ana Mihajlovic is that woman that inspired us. She has all the essential qualities that good models have: symmetrical features, clear soft skin, lush hair, emeralds for eyes. What makes Ana a great model is her charm, her gentle ways, her strength, her patience, her body language, her sexyness, and her true love for fashion. This is my 2nd sitting working with Ana. For this shoot we collaborated - Ana brought the fringed sheer top/minidress and several other amazing pieces. Ana is a modern woman - she collects vintage fashion that flatters her and appeals to her sense of whimsy. Her discreet elegance and natural beauty make it impossible to take your eyes off of her.

Robert photographed Ana Mihajlovic on March 8th, 2009. It was a small, intimate shoot: just Robert, Ana, myself and Christian MacDonald assisting Robert. No hair & makeup - just a camera, light and Ana.

I look forward to working with Robert again this Saturday.

Ana Mihajlovic, Ph: Robert Nethery:


Ana Mihajlovic, Ph: Robert Nethery:


Ana Mihajlovic, Ph: Robert Nethery:


Ana Mihajlovic, Ph: Robert Nethery:


Ana Mihajlovic, Ph: Robert Nethery:

Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours fragrance ad - Valentina Zelyaeva, ph: Bruce Weber

Jennifer Starr Interview

You may think you know Jennifer Starr from the hit Bravo show “Make Me a Supermodel”. Jennifer is the original independent Casting Director – world renowned photographers and designers hire her for her opinion and point of view. In her words: “I have the best job anyone could have – I have a license to go up to anyone I find interesting – and I do”. Jennifer has collaborated with photographers such as Bruce Weber, Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Terry Richardson and Steven Klein. She has cast campaigns for icons such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gap and Gucci.

Q: Where are you from?

A: New York City – but at 14 my family moved to Miami which I really didn't mind because I loved sports and the outdoors. In Manhattan we had a 40 minute gym class each day where we were in a small school gymnasium. If we were lucky we got to go over to central park and kick a ball around. At my school in Coconut Grove, Miami, I was on the swim team, volleyball team and basketball team. On weekends I was at the beach. Miami was completely different then than it is now. Coconut Grove and South Beach are practically unrecognizable.

Q: How did you get into this business?

A: Through Bruce Weber’s sister Barbara DeWitt. Bruce was shooting The Calvin Klein Obsession and Jeans campaign and she was the producer. I was 17 and she asked me to scout locations for the shoots. There were about 40 models, including Christy Turlington, and we needed private homes where Bruce would be comfortable shooting nudes in natural light. I lived in a high-rise but many of my friends had beautiful homes that I knew would work perfectly. Once the shoot began, Bruce asked me to stay on as a production assistant – I remember one of my first responsibilities included taking the models to the beach to get a healthy tan, and making sure they didn’t get sunburned. I decided I couldn't really tell my friends what I was doing (LOL). Who would believe it? After working for Bruce for a few months I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I received a B.A. in Sociology, and studied Political Science at Oxford. Right before graduation, Bruce and his partner Nan asked me to come back to New York and work for them full time. Somewhere along the line my primary job became casting the models. I think I just really enjoyed that part of the job more then anything else and I guess was innately good at it. Bruce would send me all over the world to find fresh new faces.

Q: Tell me about working with Bruce-

A: Bruce wanted to know everything about the people he would shoot – where they were from, what sports they played at school. He was curious about who they were as individuals. For many Abercrombie & Fitch and Versace campaigns I would travel ahead to the shoot location and cast locals. This would help guarantee us new faces that hadn’t been overexposed. Using local people as models would bring spontaneity to the shoot – really great energy. Bruce really captures who a person is in his photographs. I refer to my time there as BW school. It was a real education into music, film, fashion, and art. Bruce would say we are going to do a Pasolini story and I would then go and watch every Pasolini film made. He would make cinematic references all the time. I made the best of friends over those four years. With Bruce and Nan and the dogs at the helm, it was very much a family.

Q: How did you start your business?

A: When I began there were no independent casting directors. There were no rules. No fee structures. There was no program or structured course of action to follow to become a casting director…like there is for lawyers, bankers or doctors. Bruce taught me how to do street casting – to find real beauty that would be accepted in a commercial ad campaign. He used to say- when you leave here and you’re a big casting director... he planted the seed. Bruce was super supportive when I left and even recommended me to Calvin. Then, my first phone call on my own was from Richard Avedon. Things just kind of snow balled after that. I was incredibly blessed.

Q: What was it like working with Richard Avedon?

A: He was larger than life. I admired him and his work even before I entered this business. He had so much energy. I kept calling him Mr. Avedon and he kept saying- please call me Dick. I said I just couldn't do that. At our first meeting he told me that he wanted me to travel around the world - that I should pick twelve different countries and find the most beautiful women in each country for the next Pirelli Calendar called Women of the World. After he said this I started looking around the room. He said "what are you looking for"? I said that I am looking for the man to tell me that I am on candid camera because these things don't happen to me. He said he loved me and I had the job.

Q: I loved those old D&G ads.

A: I loved casting those D&G campaigns for Steven Meisel. We used real people. I presented Steven with an extensive biography on each model because that's what Bruce liked. Steven was like- Jen- I'm not writing a book on these people- it's a portrait! He’s so funny! I cast real families and couples- many of them same sex couples, and they were shot in very normal, very casual, and very beautiful situations. I think it was the first time gay couples were portrayed in a very affectionate, loving and tasteful way. These ads had a big impact on the way homosexuality was perceived and I was so proud to have been a part of them.

Q: How has modeling changed in the last 5 years?

A: Celebrities have become the new supermodels.

Q: Where do you see the modeling industry changing in the next 5 years?

A: Well, I would say that street casting is still going to be important and I feel that reality television is going to affect the fashion industry as well.

Q: What do you look for in a model?

A: Someone who is comfortable in their own skin. A relaxed body attitude, not studied body language. Not “super-modely”. The ability to really look with their eyes and connect with the camera. I am always searching for unique and different types of beauty. I love people who are passionate about something and that passion comes through in a picture. And, quite often I am drawn to people with great personal style.