Interview with Nightlife Photographer Patrick McMullan

Patrick McMullan

The first night I met nightlife photographer, Patrick McMullan, I had no idea who he was. My friend, a young photographer, was working as his assistant during fashion week and invited me along for a night out of after-parties. Over the course of that first night, I found myself stage side as Courtney Love performed in a gas station, at the opening of the Boom Boom Room where I stood on the bathroom line next Demi Moore, and finally at McMullan's Chelsea office. He and his team would spend the remaining hours of night (morning) editing and uploading the night's photographs. Unlike anything I'd ever experienced before, or since for that matter, I was immediately thrown into a world I'd never known before. His world.

Just as my friend was, I had been McMullan's shadow for that night as he photographed celebrities and party attendees alike. As that first night wore on, I gradually started to realize that he wasn't like the other photographers at the party. He literally couldn't walk 5 feet without running into someone he knew. "Who IS he?" I asked my friend at one point in the night. "You don't understand" My friend explained. "He's a legend."

Andy Warhol once said, "If you don't know Patrick McMullan, you ought to get out more!"

However, as legendary as he proved to be, I never once felt intimidated my him. He was friendly, hilarious, and most of all charismatic. As soon as I got back to my dorm, I spent nearly an hour trolling the internet trying to find out exactly who McMullan was. I saw claims such as 'celebrity photographer', 'Andy Warhol's confidant', and 'figure of Studio 54'. It made me feel like an utter idiot for not knowing who he was.

The summer following that night, I started a job working in a small web development company when, serendipitously, Patrick McMullan was one of our prospective clients. He wanted to bring to fruition his dream of creating an online magazine, not only showcasing his New York nightlife photography, but also interesting people, events, and art. Over the course of a few months, I met with McMullan and his team, and eventually arranged for a casual interview with him in his Chelsea office.

Asking him about a multitude of topics, hoped to not only touch on New York City nightlife from his earliest days, but furthermore his evolution as a photographer, especially in light of the launch of PMc Magazine. I also couldn't help but inquire about his personal tastes beyond the world of photography, such as music and television. 

What was your first night at Studio 54 like?

Patrick McMullan's “So 80s Studio 54”

Well my first night there, I remember it was a juice bar and it must have been 1976. I was still living in Long Island and I used to read Liz Smith everyday in The Daily News. She started talking about Studio 54 and I decided I'm just going to go. I just showed up and I got right in. At the time I didn't know any better that I shouldn't go, or wouldn't get in. It never occurred to me.

It was maybe 10 o'clock on a Monday and when I walked in, it was like walking into The Wizard of Oz, in the sense of color. When you got to Oz, on the other side of the rainbow. It was colorful, there was lights, and everyone was beautiful. Everybody was just so attractive and interesting.

I remember watching Sterling St Jacks and he was spinning Bianca Jagger around off her shoulders, around in a circe. People were dancing and I met a bunch of different people. I was by myself but it was really fun. After that, I started going as a regular.

It was a juice bar which was great, because at the time I didn't drink and the juice was free, so I didn't have to pay for drinks. It was just really fun and I had a friend who used to go all the time, her name was Margie Beck , and she was a scene girl of the time and she would just.

It lasted a long time, it went into the 80's too and had a whole different feel then. It was very glam. 

Who are your favorite musicians?

I like so many different kinds of artists. I have so many varied tastes. Obviously, depending on the occasion. I love The Beatles, The Rolling Stones. There is no question that they are my generation and The Byrds. Even The Turtles. All those rock n' roll groups from the 60's and 70's. I love Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, James Taylor, 'Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young', Carol King and that group is sort of when I was in High School and I just loved them all. But really what I am, is a jazz guy. I love traditional jazz, Billie Holiday, Diana Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee. They're all voice, I tend to really love voice and that leads me to my all-time favorite which is Frank Sinatra. I love cheap sentiment often, the idea of just sentimental songs. I love Bing Crosby. You know the voices that are like butter. Barbara Streisand I naturally liked all through her different phases. I think she's great. Cher, I love her voice. 

There's all different kinds of blues and jazz. I love traditional New Orleans jazz. There's this new movement I've been hearing a lot called "washboard jazz" which is 1930's kind of sound and a lot of the kids dance to it. I don't even know where to find half of it. I have to admit that I've never bought anything on iTunes because I don't really understand how to do it, as crazy as that sounds. I don't want to get addicted to it but I want to try to do that at some point. I also really enjoy old show biz and musicals like Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Rogers and Hammerstein, a lot of the really catchy Old Broadway tunes. I really have a vast interest. Now, another area is the disco of the 70's. Disco to me, is the Barry White, Andrea True, all those old 70's songs bring back so many fun memories of the Studio 54 era. I'm not a lover of rap but I do like Alicia Keys and Jay-Z's song. I like a little bit of everything, anything that's good I like. And of course, lastly Classical Music. I just love any dramatic music and all that. Anyways, I'm also a big fan of collecting photography

What musicians have you enjoyed photographing and in what kind of atmosphere? 

Well, I have photographed so many young musicians. I've always been interested in photographing musicians who are creative and interested in trying different things. I guess the majority of people I've photographed I didn't really sit with them. No specific great story that I can think of. I've met Cher, and Dolly Parton. Frank Sinatra Liza Minellie, Mick Jagger.

One time at a Vanity Fair party I got together Cher, Madonna, Joni Mitchell, and Katie Lang all in one picture and that was fun for me. I like putting people together. I met Stevie Nicks and i liked meeting Carly Simon a lot. It was very exciting to meet her. 

I tend to later on think "oh, wow", look who I met.... Musicians are so fascinating, you know?

Cover Image from McMullan's book
"So 80's"

As far as New York City goes, do you think you could do what you do anywhere besides New York?

Oh, absolutely. I am ultimately more of a "people" photographer, not necessarily a celebrity photographer. I mean, obviously celebrities are people but I'm interested in meeting new people. I love going out and just shooting new people. It's fun to me.

I love attractive people, i love parents with children. Anyone with style always excites me, even if it's bad style. I like people that say " look at me".

What is special about New York?

New York is very franetic. There's ups and downs. There's such movement. You can be in a crowd, you can be by yourself. The stimulation never ends. New York is the quinntessential flow of energy.

Is there anyone today that you would consider a modern Andy Warhol?

Well, I think there are many people that have aspects of Andy. Like many people that have qualities similar to him. Shepard Fairy does a lot of interesting work. The thing that I thought was interesting about Andy was that he set himself up to be a renaissance man. He was involved in publishing, art,  beauty, models,  music, like with The Velvet Underground. Being on the scene was a big part of it. I think Andy was one-of-a-kind. One thing about Andy is whenever you saw him, you knew you were at a really good party. You knew you were at the place to be. 

Andy Warhol and Patrick McMullan

The thing about Andy he had a whole group around him, like superstars, who were known and they had all these interesting personalities. 

We'd talk TV a lot which I loved because i enjoy television. We've never had such good television as we do nowadays. Andy would just love all the TV that's on. He'd love reality shows. I mean, he did the first reality shows if you think about it. 

What are your favorite TV shows?

I have too many favorite TV shows.....  I love The Office and 30 Rock, I love CSI: Special Victims Unit, Criminal Minds, House which my friend Lisa Edelstein is in. I watch Saturday Night Live all the time, sometimes it's good. Mad Men, I'm crazy for it. I've been watching Boardwalk Empire. I really love anything that's on HBO and Showtime. 

Oh, and i love Hoarders. Hoarders is my favorite show! They're always trying to throw away so much nice stuff. I hate when they throw away all that good stuff. Last night there was a woman who was raising rats and they all got lost in her house. I like Hoarders because it makes me feel I don't have the much stuff. 

And wait there's so much more, I could go on forever. I like Jersey Shore....... and I just want to watch every show that's on. Every time I look at something I want to watch it. I hate when I miss the first episode, so I guess the new thing is Hulu. I also love Netflix, you can watch it automatically or you can just get . One of the things that I'm just starting now is that show with the Vampires, True Blood. I really love that. The Good Wife is also great. 

I love South Park, Family Guy, Chelsea Lately.

I could just sit home and watch television and be perfectly happy. We've never had such good TV. I'd love to be a Television writer if I could be.

There's this new show called Jack the Exterminator which I've been enjoying. 

On to the topic of Fashion, I was lucky enough to see a screening of the New York Fashion Week Documentary which you were featured in. You talked about how much you enjoy the behind-the-scenes aspect of photography. What is special the "back of house" atmosphere, particularly during fashion week. 

Well, it's not even just the atmosphere. We have everyone who's focused on their particular job and what they're doing. And then the people are cute, the models are always fun. But there's something nice about seeing all the items and the clothing, shoes, jewelry all laid out.

In the old days, when I first started, I had an all access pass to do everything. I would just find myself gravitating towards backstage. Even helping before the show when things would go wrong. You would get to know all the designers, who were so interesting, creative, and talented. They're true artisans. I met some really good friends. To quote my friend Kourt Felsky, "I never met a model I didn't like". I mean some of them have moments where they're not so wonderful but it's fun to meet the models. They're glamour, flitting around. I just think there's a real excitement, a real drama. If your a drama junkie, which I used to more of. Now I've been to enough shows but i really still enjoy it. The shapes, the colors, and the movement, it's all just great for photography. I just love to run around and shoot everything. 

Having launched PMc Magazine.... What are you most excited for?

PMc Magazine February 2011 Issue

Well, my website is just pictures of what happened. I wanted to do something that added a sense of Who Am I? A lot of people would say to me, because I had a tape recording device on my camera, so no matter who I shoot, I get their name. I often forget people's names, even the ones I know. People would always say " You Know Me", so I have two sections: "Who Am I?" and "You Know Me". "You Know Me" would be people that everybody knows, like Cher for example. " Who Am I?" is somebody who is a little bit more seteric, someone that certain people know but others don't know.

I have another section called "Then and Now" because I think it's fun to see what somebody looked like or where they were at in comparison to where they are now. I mean, I'm not trying to make anyone look bad, more people that look good now. Though I'm sure people would like to see other people who look horrible now. I'm not one of them. There's enough negative stuff to see.

There's a lot of photo slide-show type things. I have a lot of pictures at this point. I must have at least a million (in an Austin Powers way) that are great. You know, we have a team here, a gang that is interested and knows a lot of the images. I just want to share them more, in a different context. 

Is it just going to be your photographs?

No, not just mine. The whole gang's. It's not just me. It may be lead by me and in the way I work but it's meant to be a collective. Everybody's got a lot of talent here. I don't want to have to much reading. We're a photo site, we want to see imagery. I'm not going to have comments as far as I can see. I'm not about comments. This is what it is. You like it, you don't like it. Everyone is welcome to be part of this. I'm hoping people will submit ideas or people that they're interested in. It's another way to be interactive with people and what's going on. I meet a lot of people that I think are very interesting and years later they become well known. I would like to be able to share who I think is interesting 

Was there a break through moment, or shoot that you were on where you thought "I've made it" or was it a slow progression of hard work? 

Well, I'd have to say yes and no. When I did my book "So 80's" and Linda Fargo did my window with all my pictures. I said "Wow", this was really like winning an Oscar for me. To be on 57th street and 5th Avenue, with all my photographs in the windows done so beautifully. It was so fabulous, I wanted to tell everyone "Look, those are my pictures". My name was there, and I thought "I've arrived". Though, there have been a lot of little moments where I thought "I love what I do". I mean, I love photography and not just my own. As you can see, I'm a collector. Few pictures in my whole studio are my own. I started loving photography before I did it myself. I would look at the images from LIFE Magazine, such as the sailor and the nurse and albert eisenstat. 

Do you think you've ever re-invented yourself?

Patrick McMullan and His Photographs

I don't think that I've ever reinvented myself. It's funny, people that have known me since I was, say 12, say "your exactly the same person, you haven't changed at all". I'm a little bit less nervous and more focused. I think that there are always more extensions. Every time you make a new friend, you extend yourself. The day that you don't want to learn anymore, life starts to become less interesting. 

I don't think I ever re-invented myself, so much as I blossomed, because I've always had interests in music, imagery, etc. I'll tell you a funny story, my mother tended to save magazines and I would cut little pictures out and tack them to a board, making huge collages. She had these TV Guides from the 60's, and someone said "Oh, those are worth something". She brought them down to somebody and goes "these would be worth something, but all the pictures are cut out of them". I felt so bad but she laughed. 

Anyways, I just think that I'm a little more fearless in trying things, like PMc Magazine for example. I definitely want to do more books. I mean, I have enough photographs to do 25 more books. Though, I also want to enjoy my life. See, my schedule is such that I always have things I've got to do. There's only one of me. Though, I have successfully cloned myself, which is nice. When I was young, there was nobody like me, in terms of hiring people just off the street or because I thought they had a nice personality. I hire people because I think they have a nice quality first. I want them to have the skills obviously but I hire them because I see a quality in them I like. I wouldn't want to be around a bunch of boring, lousy people. Even if I was making a lot of money. You know I went to business school and i love business but it's not about the money. I've mad a living but I still feel like I can look myself in the mirror and think "I've done it the way that I want to do it". 

Tony Bennett's Nude Sketch of Lady GaGa Up For Auction On Ebay

To many, Tony Bennett is first a foremost a singer. However, since childhood Bennett has harnessed a talent and passion for the fine art, particularly painting and sketching. His latest work is a sketch of fellow songstress and collaborator, Lady Gaga, shown nude, holding a cigarette. The portrait was done as part of a shoot conducted by famous photographer, Annie Leibovitz, for Vanity Fair's January 2012 issue. The sketch, a collector's item by nature, is currently up for grabs on online auction site, Ebay until December 19th, with all proceeds benefitting charity.  The portrait was also done shortly after the two singers recorded their duet "Lady Is a Tramp", for Bennett's newest album Duets II.

"I was in Tony's studio and I walked in, and she was like, 'I want you to be naked,' so I took my robe off and layed down and poor Tony was standing there, looking at me, like, 'Oh, this f--king girl.'" explained Gaga, to E! news, on her studio session with Bennett and Leibovitz.

Charcoal being the medium of choice, Bennett's sketched Gaga stark naked but posed considerately with her arm over her bosom, and tactful dark shadows leaving the rest to the imagination. Smoke pouring from the cigarette held in her long-fingernailed hand, Gaga's face reveals a poker-face expression. The no-frills portrait depicts a more understated sensuality from GaGa, which is a far cry from her typical uniform of eccentric, body-baring ensembles.

"Lady Gaga has the mark of true genius in which she makes what is difficult appear effortless," Bennett told E!. "Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Ella Fitzgerald—they all shared that quality and it's what I refer to as the 'It Factor.'" 

The work was created with Prismacolor Premier Art vine charcoal sticks on Fabriano Artistico heavyweight watercolor paper, and the measures at 18 inches by 24 inches. Not to mention, is signed by Bennett in the bottom right corner.

As for Bennett's career as an artist, he produces under the title, 'Benedetto' which is his real family name. In 1999, Bennett launched 'Benedetto Arts LLC' based out of New York City, which oversee his artworks commissions, exhibitions, and other promotions. According to the Benedetto Arts website, "The painter is an alter ego to the performer, living out a passion that is personal and introspective."  

Proceeds of the auction will be given to a "Duet of Charities"  consisting of Bennett's 'Exploring the Arts'  and Gaga's 'Born This Way' foundation. 'Exploring the Arts' was founded in 1999 by Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, to strengthen the role of the arts in public high school education. Also empowering the youth, "Born This Way' launched in 2012 and supports programs which lead youth into a braver new society- where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be - practicing self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, and development. 

At the time of press, the going price of piece began at $5, 400 with nearly 6 days to go. According to Good Housekeeping, Bennett's work has been known to sell for up to 80,000 a pop. His Gaga portrait is sure to garner many thousands more than the original asking price, given it features arguably the biggest, and one of the most controversial, pop stars of our time, in the buff.

BuzzFeed Gives Us 12 'Disappointing' Facts About Pop Music

Anyone who has a bone to pick with modern day pop music will enjoy the latest viral sensation to appear on BuzzFeed: 12 Extremely Disappointing Facts About Popular Music, which lists right off the bat that the band Creed has sold more records in the US than the legendary guitarist, Jimi Hendrix. 

Fact #1 Creed has sold more records in the US than Jimi hendrix

Fittingly, the article's subtitle proclaims "This is the saddest thing you'll read all day. YOU LET THIS HAPPEN! YOU!"

While America has indeed let his happen, there are still plenty of Americans who are echoing this disappointing sentiment. Posted about a month ago, the post has already received over 2,400,000 views.

Behind this list, and a series of other successful viral articles is BuzzFeed writer and junior at New York University, Dave Stopera. Specializing in 'cultural buzz', Stopera had published over 1,025 posts. Stopera has not only figured out the magic formula for viral content, but also has a large stage on one of the internets largest viral platforms.  In addition to his pop music rant, his top stories have varied from "25 Cartoons You Never Knew Were Voiced by Celebrities" to "Amazing Long Exposure Airplane Photography."

Fact #12 This guy exists.

However, while no one can argue with the story's success in creating buzz, there has been some backlash comments among over 2,000 reactions. While some of the criticisms  could very well be from a bunch of 'beliebers' in response to fact #12 which says "This Guy Exists" above a photograph of Justin Bieber, others allude to the classic-rock mentality. 

"A classic-rock snob dislikes dance and pop music. said Alex Knepper, an American University student. "Classic rock snobs are the worst because they refuse to acknowledge that anything else that's ever existed might possibly be good." She closed her comment denouncing the story, and Stopera as its author, saying "Flop article, flop writer."

Another issue which was brought up was the accuracy in statistics based and change in metrics through the latter half on the 20th century. The comment which has currently holds Buzzfeed's highest social rank, receiving over 1,614 "Likes", is authored by Princeton alumni Robert Campos "They way people bought music was both costlier and less easy than it is today, with our a la carte, online music stores." He says. "The first world population was also much smaller and had we had lower expendable income." However, Campos believes Stopera is "spinning this all wrong." 


While these are certainly legitimate concerns, it is undeniable that these numbers are daunting to many a "real" music fan. Even Campos closes his statement by joking "Could it also be that only idiots buy music more?"

The Fusion of Fine Art and Fashion Panel Discussion

The Panel: Austin Scarlett, Annika Connor, Bill Indursky, and Patrick McMullan

Exploring the inexplicable link between fine art and fashion throughout the past and modern day, "The Fusion of Fine Art and Fashion" featured discussion between famous nightlife photographer Patrick McMullan, designer and Project Runway star Austin Scarlett, and co-founder of VandM.com (Vintage and Modern) Bill Indursky. The panel was held at the General Assembly and the colorful conversation was moderated by artist and entrepreneur Annika Connor.

While the conversation was ultimately supposed to be about the newest concepts of the fashion and fine art, it would be impossible not to look back upon history's influence. Who better to look to the golden past than Austin Scarlett, who specialized in couture and evening wear design studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has received fine arts training at the Art Students League of New York.For Scarlett, looking at fashion and fine art from a historical perspective began with Spanish painter DiegoVelázquez who was enlisted by King Philip IV to decorate the interior of his palace. Velázquez also designed elegant garb for the royal family and ladies in waiting. During the 17th and 18th centuries, fashion was considered equal to art. "A painting was a display of someone's power and whole lifestyle, and likewise with fashion" said Scarlett "Promoting a lifestyle of privlege and cultivation."

According to Scarlett, Rose Bertin is one of the first fashion designers you read about in history books. Bertin was a French milliner and dressmaker for the court of Marie Antoinette and helped introduce the haute couture to popular culture. It during that time that fashion was at the "peak of frivolity and extravagance." However, when the Industrial Revolution began, fashion was made more accessible to the masses. "It became more of a common-leaf commodity as opposed to a rare kind of art form" Scarlett explained.As fashion rapidly began to spread beyond wealth, so did fine art with the beginning of the Modern Art era. "There was a seperation between the old days of the luxurious lifestyle to the seperation of Modern Art." he said "Painters were coming out with their own work that really had nothing to do with lifestyles of the rich."

The mid-nineteenth century brought the growth of the fashion industry and collaborations began to emerge between fashion designers and the world of theatre, with designer creating elaborate costumery. Proclaiming the 1950's and 60's as the golden age of couture, America's first couturier Charles James worked out of the Chelsea Hotel. Scarlett mentioned his favorite quote about James by Balenciaga, “Charles James is not only the greatest American couturier, but the world’s best and only dressmaker who has raised it from an applied art form to a pure art form,” In our modern day, the idea of artists collaborating with fashions designers or courturiers is very common, and has allowed for larger audiences to be reached.

With talk of modern collaborations, photographer McMullan mentions artist Stephen Sprouse who collaborated with designer Marc Jacobs. "He was a true artist first, and a designer second" explains McMullan. He talks about how one of his photographs from a Stephen Sprouse runway show was placed in museum and how significant that was for his flourishing career back in the 80's.

Throughout his career, McMullan has explored photography as both functional and a fine art. In terms of history, McMullan spoke not for only his love for portraits but also the fashions worn in them "When you think of so many of the wonderful masterpieces, what would they be like without the fashions they're wearing?" he posed. "Fashion is part of the portraiture." He also points out that for a while it was mostly the wealthy who were able to immortalize through painting, and since photography was first invented documenting has become quicker and easier for many more.

When McMullan hits the town to shoot, he looks for the individuals who catch the eye. "I've always been drawn to people who say "Look at me!" He explains. "I really have." In many cases, there fashion plays a large part in what captures his attention. " Fashions adds status, color, flair, and style to each of us" he explained. For McMullan even bad style is fun to photograph.

Following McMullan's commentary, Connor directed the conversation over to Indursky and his innovative approach to fashion and art. As a co-founder of an online retailer who sells carefully curated antiques, he has found the recipe for embracing technology in a relatively old-fashioned business. Indursky asserted that he believes that in fashion "Items have a second life that goes way beyond their original function." Thinking artistically, one can bring new life to a once thought to be useless garment. Not limited just to fashion is the idea of "upcycling" which is not just environmentally friendly, but also encourages creativity and innovation. Taking a vintage item and re-imagining it, "you repaint it, refurbish it, cut it apart, and making it something else."

While Indursky admits there are aspects of fine art and fashion that have been lost in the digital age, there are plenty of benefits. Combined with traditional methods, he uses web analytics to forecast trends in the art and fashion products offered on VandM. Collectively the group agrees that technology holds endless possibilties in the foreseeable future of fine art and fashion.

The Fusion of Fine Art and Fashion was the third in an exciting new educational series of panels entitled Art as Entrepreneurship. Each panel hosts a mix of creators, investors, historians, and innovators in a monthly art discussion.

Fitz and the Tantums Perform An Unplugged Set at Occupy Wall Street

Two days after the legendary David Crosby and Graham Nash sang "Teach Your Children", neo-soul group Fitz and the Tantrums joined the growing list of musicians who have performed at Zuccotti Park in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement. The band performed an unplugged, two-song set whose lyrics and overall message would strike a chord any protestor. Prior to the performance, Frontman Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick announced, “We wanted to show our support to the Occupy Wall Street protestors everywhere who are keeping the focus on the culture of greed that is pervasive in our financial institutions and the lack of reform and accountability that has taken place." Based out of Los Angeles, the band who Rolling Stone Magazine haled as a "Band to Watch" back in April, has spent the last year rising up the charts and taking the music festival scene by storm, with soulful old-fashioned melodies and vivacious live performances.

An early morning gig, the 6-piece group's lively performance incited Zuccotti's sleeping protestors to rise n' shine from their tents, the crowd growing with each verse sung. Their most popular record "Moneygrabber" served as a natural opening number. While the song was initially written about a no-good greedy, lying and cheating significant other, there is definitely a comparison to be had to Wall Street's capitalists. The song's chorus reads " Don't comeback anytime, I've already had your kind. This is your payback, money grabber", which could easily allude to protestors frustrations with the Wall Street set and their efforts to combat corporate greed through protest. Fitzpatrick and his fellow lead singer Noelle Scaggs belted out the feel-good tune in accompaniment with the saxophone, tambourine, drums, and clapping from the crowd. The climax of the performance was without question the breakdown towards the song's end. "One is for the money, two is for the greed" they sing out set to a cadence of soul-claps. "And three times that I told you you're the one I just don't need."

Fitz and the Tantrums perform unplugged at Occupy Wall Street's Zuccotti Park

Fitz and the Tantrums' second and closing number, entitled "Dear Mr. President" (not to be confused with the Pink song of the same name) served as another feasible anthem for those rallying. In open-ended lyrics addressing the President, Fitz and the gang sing the chorus" Hey, put your foot down and take a look round. Don't like what you see. No No No No No No." Everyone broke out in cheer during the song's last verse which melodically pleaded "Dear Mr. President there is trouble in the streets. Now is the time and test we must meet." The lyrics ended on "Dear Mr. President, take a look around. Please Mr. President." The amalgamation of protestors, media, and fans of the band erupted into cheers at the end of the set and one guy shouted out "You guys are the Fine Young Cannibals of Occupy Wall Street!"

Helping to give Occupy Wall Street a louder voice, bands like Fitz and the Tantrums echo the sentiments of the Occupy Wall Protestors on a larger stage. "We are not anti-capitalist but we are not in support of an untethered Wall Street without regulations [....]" Fitz pre-show announcement additionally stated. "We Need Reform Now.”

From the Frozen Food Aisle to Fifth Avenue: Canadian Retail Chain Joe Fresh Opens in New York City

Joe Fresh, the Canadian retail chain whose designs initially sold in supermarkets, opened its first store in New York City on 5th avenue this past week. This marks another career milestone for Joe Fresh founder and Creative Director, Joseph Mimran, who is also the genius behind Club Manaco, another brand who made the journey over the border. Mimran is insistent that at Joe Fresh, "price is paramount." The entire collection is priced from $2 to $159, with many items between $12 and $29. 

Joe Fresh founder Joseph Mimran and Elle Creative
 Director Joe Zee

The idea of Joe Fresh came to fruition back in 2006, when Mimran was approached to design a chic and affordable apparel line for Canadian supermarket chain Loblaws. In a Q & A session at the store opening, Mimran told Elle Magazine's Creative Director Joe Zee (and former employee of Mimran's at Club Monoco), about taking on this challenge. Successfully bringing fashion to the unglamorous grocery aisles seemed to an impossible feat to many. "My friends said I was nuts" Mimran explains. "That I would lend my name they said I was doubly nuts." However, Joe Fresh flourished as a stylish and reasonably-priced clothing line and quickly won over consumers. Since its launch in Spring of 2006, Joe Fresh has opened its own stand-alone stores and is available at over 300 locations across Canada. 

"We want to become a fabric of the city" Mimran explains on the brand's move to Manhattan. In addition to the Flat Iron location, five Joe Fresh locations will open across New York City. This includes the U.S flagship store which will open next Spring, as a second location on Fifth Avenue near The New York Public Library and Bryant Park. Mimran jokes "We've gone from the frozen food aisle to Fifth Avenue."

In Mimran's eyes, fashion is international and transcends boundaries and Joe Fresh will continue to expand internationally. "I see world domination, I always have" he said. "Its my nature."

Joe Fresh has found a particular place in the market for everyday casual and weekend wear, straddling the line between fashion and basics. Developing a signature in its bright color palate, Mimran referred to the influence derived from the fresh harvests of the supermarket "Actually, the notion of 'fresh' is what created our color palette," Mimran explained. "We wanted everything we sold to look really appetizing."

Zee made sure to ask Mimran the inevitable question of how to keep quality up and prices affordable. In terms of keeping the balance, "There are secrets when it comes to sourcing" Mimran says."Editing is our secret sauce."

Despite the economic climate, I have no doubts that Joe Fresh will join the ranks of  other affordable fashion chains, such as Uniqlo and H&M. Having conjured up the perfect recipe for "fast fashion", Mimran's Joe Fresh brand will provide New Yorkers another welcomed option for basic and of-the-moment styles that wont break the bank. 

The Central Park Zoo: Then & Now

Central Park Zoo in the 1930's 

Though the Central Park Zoo has been around since the 1860's, it was Robert Moses who truly took it from a small menagerie to a large public attraction, comparable to that of the Bronx Zoo. In 1934, Moses was a city planning tycoon and transformed the zoo located right off of 5th avenue. Before he took over, the zoo primarily only had had two species, polar bears and sea lions, but Moses brought a slew of new species including lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! Moses enlisted the help of architect Aymar Embury II, who also designed the Triborough bridge. Rich in neo-Georgian brick and limestone, Embury's most acclaimed work was the quadrangle round sea lion pool, which featured advanced architecture for the time.

Top:Sea Lion Park in 1934
Bottom: Sea Lion Park today

Since Moses' massive expansion, the Central Park Zoo there was some major work done throughout the 80's when the New York Zoological Society assumed management. After major demolition and reconstruction, the zoo featured more natural exhibits verses the former vintage menagerie cages. While some of the original buildings were reused, most spaces were enlarged in hopes of being truer to their natural habitat. However, the Central Park Zoo insists "Visitors can see vestiges of the old Zoo preserved in the new."

Perhaps, the most major change since the The Central Park Zoo's modernization, is that the zoo is no longer a free public attraction. While back in Moses' day it was available to parkgoers free of charge, the zoo now charges admission. The park currently charges adults $12.00 and Children (Ages 3-12) $7.00.

Modern Day Central Park

The New School Faculty Addresses Diversity at the Town Hall Meeting

This past Wednesday, October 26,  faculty and students of The New School packed into Wollman Hall for a presentation and Q & A, facilitated by President David Van Zandt and provost Tim Marshall.

While there were a variety of issues brought to the forefront, from new campus constructions to the increasing tuition cost, it was the issue of diversity which seemed to spark the most impassioned dialogue. As a university which has prided itself on diversity as a core value since its inception, the subject was bound to be met with strong will and concern by The New School community.

It began with Tony Whitfield, the associate dean of civic engagement for Parsons, The New School for Design, who was the first to address the dwindling diversity within all the schools. A topic which was present no where in Van Zandt and Marshall's presentation, it drew applause and quiet whispers among the crowd. Coaxing the crowd to "look around the room", Whitfield alluded to the white-washing of The New School of not only the student body, but the faculty as well. Noting that diversity in the academic curriculum was also just as important, he was met with support from fellow faculty members, who collectively wanted to know exactly how the administration was dealing with all these issues. 


It was apparent that while Van Zandt and Marshall's answers to the diversity questions weren't fulfilling, it did give many satisfaction in knowing that the matter in question was a collective concern. It will be interesting to see how the issue of diversity is addressed in the future New School Town Hall meetings, and what changes, if any, it will cultivate university-wide. 

Who Should Play Robert Moses In Oliver Stone's New HBO Movie "The Power Brokers"?

http://gothamist.com/2011/10/27/who_should_play_robert_moses_in_oli.php

"32 days, 4 1/2 weeks"

"All day, all week, occupy Wall Street" is chanted in waves. Sometimes it is louder and more powerful while other times it fizzles out before the words "wall street"are heard.  It has officially been an entire month since  Zuccotti Park was deemed Liberty Square and the protests against corporate greed started in New York City. We spoke to a wide range of people and asked them, "How long have you occupied Wall Street?"

Moses, 24.
From Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Came up with a few of his friends on September 18.
Sleeps either at Liberty Square or if there is room on a friends floor.
Has been working at the information center and helps organize donations.
Goes to McDonalds every morning to brush his teeth.
Does not plan to leave anytime soon.  

"Grandma's From The Mountains"
Come back every weekend since September 17.
They bring food and donations and help to make sure everyone has enough to eat.
Will continue to come down every weekend until "lawmakers make a law that is actually lawful"

Benny Zable
From Australia
Came to NYC for the 23rd annual Environmental Eco. Festival.
Has been staying in Environmental Festival Residences for the past 2 weeks.
His outfit has become a symbol of protestors.
Has no plans to go back to Australia anytime soon.

Angel, 28
Lives in Brooklyn.
Works in Midtown for Nike.
Has a family so he continues to work and comes out to support on weekends.
"If my work saw this I would be in a lot of trouble,
 but at this point I don't even give a shit, you can personally send them this."
His shirt is a silhouette of Obama's face that also says "LIAR" when looked at sideways.
Will continue to support and come back to join the protests until a change is made. 

No Name.
Was more interested in getting a free stencil stamped on her scarf and not with what was going on around her.
First time visiting Liberty Square.
Was planning on leaving as soon as the ink on her scarf dried. 

Little Boy, 6.
Was sitting with his mother.
Didn't know why he was there, so his mom answered for him
"We're here because he will be paying for his future for the rest of his life and so will I. That is not fair. His future should not depend on if I can afford it or not."

Team South // College Students Occupy Wall Street

The Intrepid, World War II Aircraft Carrier and Space Museum, Houses a Concert

Since its heyday of action during World War II , aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid has hosted New Yorkers and tourists alike to preserve and showcase the relics of the most widespread war of our country's history. However, on Thursday night the Intrepid attracted a different crowd, one looking to party and enjoy the musical stylings of DJ VIce, The Hold Steady, and most of all The Roots for the first-ever concert on its main flight deck. 

How did the Intrepid, the Sea, Air & Space Museum, become the newest destinations for young New York City and concert-goers? While the technicalities of deal still remain unclear, it seems the Intrepid might be joining the ranks of museums looking to house a party scene. The MoMa, American Museum of Natural History, and The Solomon R. Guggenheim are all among the museums who have decided to open their doors passed closing hours and throw parties among some of the world's most valuable artifacts. At least this was the impression I got from one of the coordinators at the events organizing company, who requested to remain anonymous. " The idea to transform the Intrepid from a museum ship during the day to a concert event at night definitely stemmed from what other museums have done" they explained. " However due to the Intrepid's sheer size, we knew this was something that could probably only be done annually." However, I would imagine this would have been a much more difficult feat for this event company had it not been for the event's sponsors, Pandora and State Farm, whose logos were plastered and projected throughout the party. 

The night of the event, over 2,000 New Yorkers made there way on to the flight deck , which happened to have an assortment of helicopters, fighter jets, and other World War II vehicles. The event made for one of the most scenic views of the New York cityscape, and would certainly be a memborable experience for all who attended. Although, certain aspects of the scene made it evident that those who hold World War II closer to their heart might not have been so pleased. As with all concerts, remnants left behind such as empty beer bottles, were strewn all over the deck, which wasn't the best visual, especially when lying around the iconic fighter jets which once took to the air in battle. However, apart from all the trash left behind, the night went pretty seamlessly without any foul play around the displays or anyone who was blatantly disrespecting the ship. As someone who enjoyed the entire night, and truly believed it to be an amazing experience atop one of New York City's most prized sites, I hope that this isn't the last concert aboard the Intrepid.

Links of the Week by Lauren Valenti

"Videos Show Police Using Pepper Spray at Protest"
By Joseph Goldstein for the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/nyregion/videos-show-police-using-pepper-spray-at-protest.html?ref=todayspaper

"Wired Platforms at Last. Oh No, the Boss Is Calling!"
by Rebecca White for the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/nyregion/cellphone-service-on-subway-platforms-but-no-more-excuses.html?hp

"Sly Stone is Homeless in Los Angeles"

by Matthew Perpetua for Rolling Stone Magazine

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/sly-stone-is-homeless-in-los-angeles-20110926

New York Magazine Approval Matrix for Week of October 3rd, 2011

http://nymag.com/arts/all/approvalmatrix/approval-matrix-2011-10-3/

"Paul McCartney, Beatle and Ballet Composer, too"
By Jocelyn Noveck for the San Francisco Chronicle

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/09/23/entertainment/e150309D06.DTL