FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Radiant Jungle

Edited by Hillary Frazier

Since I got a Twitter account I’ve been randomly followed by a few different people each day.  Luckily, last week it was Radiant Jungle.  I noticed he was a photographer and clicked his link to his website, and was not only impressed by his crazy photos, but also his blog, complete with party photos, fashion opinion columns, and photographer recommendations.  But what I think is the most impressive thing about Radiant Jungle, or Zak Krevitt (formally), is how thought-out his photographs are for a seventeen-year-old. Let me say that again, this kid is 17.  I immediately emailed him and asked a few questions about his work:

FASHION INDIE: How did you get your start in photography?

RADIANT JUNGLE: I got my start when an ex of mine got his first SLR. We fooled around with it for a bit and I made some of my first stabs at party photography. But, that was short-lived and I didn’t start Radiant Jungle until about 6 months later. I had connections to using some old movie lighting equipment and for my first few shoots I used this old, awkward light equipment. Now I own my own stuff and can explore a lot more options.

FI: Where do you come up with your crazy concepts for shoots?

RJ: I do a lot of people watching. Since I was little I would always make up stories for the lives I would imagine people living.  Long drives to the city were always my favorite because you would see a lot of really interesting people on the way there. I like to take these made up stories and try to convey it through my photography.

FI: Where do you hope to take your photography next?

RJ: I’ve had my eye on fashion from day one. I do enjoy doing party-pic stuff but in the end  I want to be working in high fashion. I’m in talks right now with a couple designers (Brian Lichtenberg, Yotam Solomon) about the concepts we want to go with for a future shoot.

FI: What is your favorite thing about art/photography?

RJ: I love how art allows me to put my mind out there. Others can interpret my work however it may apply to them, and I love that. I’ve grown up in a family of artists, I really feel that may have influenced my view on the concept. I’ve always been encouraged to see art everywhere.

FI: Who are some of the best/most creative people you’ve worked with, or enjoyed working with the most?

RJ: The first photographer I worked with was Christoph Barthe, he was french and had really great ideas. He helped me start Radiant Jungle actually, but over that we realized our creative differences were pretty large. Working with Brittany Flickenger (from Paris Hilton’s my new BFF) was … well interesting. We showed up at her North hollywood apartment and she was still asleep. So the male model for the shoot and I went thrifting for a bit. Then she called us and we came over; she was still in her underwear and pajamas and was just dancing around her apartment. It was hilarious. Once she got ready though we had a great time shooting. She’s a really fun subject to shoot.

FI: What is your least favorite thing about it?

RJ: I hate how just about anyone with an SLR and a Myspace account can call themselves a photographer.  The field is becoming a bit over-saturated which has its pros and con’s. One perk is that there is amazing talent being produced by people that would never be able to get their name out there if it wasn’t for the advent of social networking sites. One name that comes to mind is Kris Kidd. He has amazing talent and he’s only 15, he’s very smart and has been extremely successful at getting attention through the internet.

FI: Any advice for hopeful amateurs out there?

RJ: Never take the camera away from your eye. There are a million amazing photographs happening every moment, try not to miss them.

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Here’s a photo by Kris Kidd, the fifteen-year-old that Radiant Jungle recommended:

Check out more of Radiant Jungle on Cult or his site RadiantJungle.com

Living Vicariously Though Our Favorite Fashion Faces…One Selby At A Time

Edited by Kirby Marzec

As I sit here, staring at my failed attempt of an edgy college dorm transformation, I cannot help but imagine my future SoHo apartment or the decor of Vogue when I replace Anna Wintour. I’m planning on some enormous skylights, exposed brick walls, wood floors and an eclectic array of mix-matched furniture and art. For now, the grimy bathtub and excruciating fluorescent lighting will have to do, but who says a girl can’t plan ahead? I’ve started to gather inspiration from some of my favorite designers, models and writers, photographed by Todd Selby, in their homes and workspaces. Thanks to The Selby, who photographs “interesting people in creative spaces” I can live vicariously through others until I get my big break. Join me in my stalking by sifting through the galleries below:

GALLERIES:

Erin Wasson (Model)

Alexander Wang

Brian Lichtenberg

Derrick Cruz (Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons)

Swaim and Christina Hutson (Obedient Sons & Daughters) 

Visit The Selby here! 

RANDOM COOL: Brian Lichtenberg Balenciaga Tee

Edited by Andy Wass

This T-shirt is like looking at an old class photo and finding all your long-lost friends. Hey, there’s Fall ’06 harness bootie … and good ol’ Spring ’08 black-and-white woven gladiator heels … and who could forget Spring ’07 gold robo-leggings?

Memories…

This Brian Lichtenberg, creation features Balenciaga’s best hits in footwear. I would really prefer a shirt with Nicolas Ghesquière’s dreamy mug on it, but this is pretty cool too.

The tee is available online at Blood is the New Black

Image from Catwalk Queen.

DESIGNERS TO KNOW: Brian Lichtenberg

Edited by Marissa Moshell, Student

 

Exploring a wide range of material use, Brian Lichtenberg fashions have hit the scene. The vast majority of the label’s creations feature edgy dresses, skirts, shirts and more, but Brian never fails to feature the occasional pair of pants and t-shirts. Brian refuses to say safe, with cutting edge fashions and brilliant design detail, the creations never cease to push the limits. A wide range of the designer’s creations feature a bold color range with whites and blacks, but there is the occasional colorful splash as with the design above. With an ability to explore diverse fashions from strong inspiration it’s no question the label’s a hit.

GALLERY: Brian Lichtenberg designs