Susan Kirschbaum has written features - covering trends, fashion, and art -- for various publications including Harper's Bazaar, London Times, New York Observer, and New York Times since the late Nineties. She has worked as a web editor for both fashion and art concerns and as a founding editor to Fashion Wire Daily, when it served as a wire service to the Associated Press. She has written both synopsis and forwards to photography books by Steidl Dangin. Currently, she is a contributing editor to Whitewall - a seasonal art magazine - that sets new visual and story telling standards to cover the art world. She also writes for Purple, the French fashion magazine.
Her first novel, WHO TOWN, a dark social satire is now being reviewed by several publishers through rock star agent Robert Guinsler at Sterling Lord Literistic.
(All photos on this blog are taken by Susan Kirschbaum on her Canon SD850 digital point and shoot, unless otherwise noted - please credit all photos accordingly)
Photographer Stephen Klein's Birthday: How Trendies Line Up Like Lemmings
Madonna, pink as "Hard Candy," by uber talent Stephen Klein
Happy Birthday to photographer Stephen Klein! He's the guy who shot Angelina and Brad in all sorts of marital bliss for W Mag before they got together publicly. He also captured Brad toying with a gun and getting sexy with Ange on his website, all simulated of course. Most importantly, in terms of what's hot now, he's Madonna's favorite photog.
Last night, Klein supposedly invited a few friends to the sexy cabaret show at the Box on the Lower East Side. "M," hot off her album release party for Hard Candy at Roseland Ballroom, was supposedly set to make an appearance.
How much fun would it be to see almost fifty year old "M" mount the stage, usually filled with freak show and simulated sex acts? Almost enough fun for me to have lapsed into my former, now rehabbed trendy lemming self. But when the text came at midnight asking if I wanted to check it out with a stylist pal, I chose the high road and resisted pretending to be Stephen Klein's next best friend twice removed.
Here's how it works. Stephen's agent might to boost his usually quiet social image, he could use a night out at a hot spot. "M," on her publicity tour for the record, eggs him on. Win win for both of them.
Coincidentally, the same publicist for New York's Kabbalah Centre, Madonna's congregation, also pimps items for Dazed and Confused Magazine. Dazed and Confused's digital web runs a preview video of "M."
The social followers of Dazed editor Jefferson Hack, best known as father of Kate Moss' baby, get word about the intimate get together at the Box. They bond together, arriving in packs to wish the talented lens man birthday greetings. Because he's an affable fellow, he nods politely. The sycophants feel validated even if only a third of them actually have worked or spent quality time with Klein.
CLICK BLUE LINE BELOW... TO SEE HOW IT ALL UNFOLDS!
The reality: I've met Stephen Klein with people who are actually his friends. He's shy, the type of guy who would rather spend weekends hidden with his dogs in the Hamptons than at a club. He works out. He once consulted a guru who claimed to metaphysically bless water to boost his health. He's serious about shooting compelling images. He's a work horse, like Madonna.
New York works on the A-list cool social grid where you show up on a scene and get points. Share a line with someone famous, bond together. Get his/her phone number in your blackberry, then several more sightings: possible jackpot!
I count myself as guilty. I've done that dance. But I'd like to know in a world of internet kids, stars of the web, up and comers who are creating their own universes, do you care what the publicized "in crowd" does? Or are you making you're own rules while we're just a bunch of aging lemmings?
Check out Klein's ouvre: http://www.stephenkleinstudio.com
First question, who is Chris Crocker? As to the rest, I am also more interested in the literary market since my agent at Sterling Lord LIteristic is actively shopping my own dark satire of a novel. Since it's not a story of a high heeled wearing bimbo looking for a prince at a cocktail party, some publishers get confused. So far, "too dark" and "too literary" are the main complaints. But I am KEEPING THE FAITH!!!
As for whether our generation is concerned about the plight of celebrities, it depends on whom you ask. Chris Crocker, yes. Me, not so much. And as far as New York goes, I'm more interested in the literary market. With all this celebrity stuff going on, nobody seems to know how to pick out a good book these days. I'm just glad you mentioned Haruki Murakami in one of your blog entries, because if he hasn't already gotten a Nobel Prize for literature then he definitely will someday.
Check out two Brits who are cool hunting all over the globe.... Mr. and Mrs. Smith... just like Brad and Angie when they had to sneak into hotels under fake names... Ooh, la, la...http://blog.mrand mrssmith.com
"It's never been more important for me to respect a president's ability to handle foreign policy and to be a good listener and an open negotiator. Those are qualities I didn't think about in the past, but now, it seems crucial to the success and even the survival of our nation. Also, I cannot endorse a president who does not support women's rights to the fullest possible extent." Faran http//:www.nylonm ag.com
Who is "Candy" with Anna Wintour in the CFDA photos? I guess it's true that the ugly kids in school get their revenge as grown ups in fashion. They are both "bark, bark!" You are kidding about them as fashion icons, right?
Candy Pratts Price is the Executive Style Director of Style.com. She just won the Eugenia Sheppard (CFDA) Award for fashion journalism. While Candy's not a writer, she's got an eagle eye as a market editor so deemed a trend maker. Fashion loves her because she makes or breaks "looks," as in collection pieces. OUCH! on the revenge comment...
Thanks Lollie! Do keep reading and spreading the word on the page. Re: the hats, Philip Treacy's creations are like luscious cherries on gorgeous cakes. Each one, one of a kind.
Glenn O'Brien, new co-Editorial Director of Interview is exceptionally talented. I have a lot of faith in his vision and looking forward to checking out the new issue in September.
Do I care about Madonna, how could you not! While I'm no slave to her rhythm she is a remarkable woman breaking all former generations rules for what a woman of 50 should act and look like. That being said, how much longer does she have to be our pop princess? Is it still cool to be wearing bodysuits with tights when you're 60??http://media.uber .com/images/60x45 .jpg
Merci Lucille! Je comprende. Tu t'en fou de la vie ici' mais quand meme, tu lis le page. Souvent je m'en fou de la vie ici' aussi. Beaucoup de la betisse! xo!
keep up the good work <" To be a star you must shine your own light, follow your own path and not be afraid of the darkness, for that is when stars shine brightest."> peace 2008
susan, did you ever get my message or are my messages broken too? cause If I wrote hundreds of personal messages to people for nothing I'm going to cry
