Carmen De Lavallade

This  gorgeous 81-year-old woman caught my eye while walking through SoHo yesterday. She was very kind when I approached her and asked if I could take her photograph. I gave her my card and she told me that her name was Carmen.I instantly realized that she was legendary dancer and performer, Carmen De Lavallade. I was honored to have the chance to meet and photograph such an incredibly talented and accomplished artist.We exchanged information and I hope to meet up with her in the very near future!

Iris Apfel’s Guilty Pleasure

Iris Apfel & Ari Seth Cohen – Drug of Choice from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Iris Apfel for the latest video installment of Avant Garde Diaries. Check out our conversation above to find out Iris’ guilty pleasure.

Jumping for Joy

 [Gif by Juan Amaya]
I am in Salem with Joyce and Debra to give at talk at PEM. Yesterday we walked around and went to a great vintage shop called Modern Millie. Debra had a blast looking through the racks of taffeta dresses from the 1940s and 50s. With Joyce and my influence, and a bit of coaxing, Debra broke her 10 dollar rule, and came home with three beautiful dresses. Debra was so excited by her wonderful new garments that she came back to the hotel and jumped for joy!!!