Aug
09
Walking with Wooster | Street Style
We all have idols. This is one of mine. About a week ago, I was given the opportunity to shoot Nickelson Wooster – former Men’s Fashion Director of Bergdorf Goodman/ Neiman Marcus – for an interview with GQ’s The Eye. Now, let’s be frank, I would have photographed practically anything that GQ asked me to shoot. But moreover, they asked me to shoot a style legend. Today, I’m sharing the photos that didn’t get used in the article.
I wanted to talk a little about my encounter, not to debunk any mystery and intrigue to those who do not know Nick personally, but to share an enlightening experience. I won’t pretend that I wasn’t nervous as hell to meet Mr. Wooster. This wasn’t a job interview. But I had built up an insurmountable image of the guy and I just couldn’t shake it. I had only met him once before while attending the Bespoken F/W 2011 presentation. And I had seen him in person once before that at the NUMBER:Lab F/W 2011 show. Needless to say, I was nearly trembling when I saw him walking across the street towards where I stood.
Upon meeting Nick, all that quickly washed away. Nickelson Wooster is the kind of man that can put you at ease. He’s easy to chat with, honest, and very open about his life’s work. While many of us look at him in awe as a style legend, Nick doesn’t think there’s anything that spectacular about a man being able to dress well. I’m paraphrasing but I believe I’ve maintained the integrity of his statement. It was just a humbling experience, and I’m proud to have not messed up his portraits.
My colleague from GQ asked me to shoot him in a new way, something fresh. As you can imagine, he’s been the subject of several Q&A’s, street style shots by famous photographers, and a front row spectacle at all the menswear shows. I’m just this guy with a blog, trying to make it; how the heck am I supposed to shoot this guy better than Tommy Ton, Scott Schuman, or the like? While I think all the pictures have an incredible sartorial feel to them. I do think I was able to capture Nick in a new way – a realistic “epic-ness,” and honest portraiture…with a hint of surreality. I hope you enjoy my depiction of a man that many of us look up to…I hope I get to shoot him again!
Please note all photos used in this post were taken by Justin Bridges of Tucked LLC. For inquiries, product submissions, or to send press kits, please contact us at [email protected].
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Justin Bridges of Tucked LLC
