Pamela Hanson signing copies of her new book, photo by Laurel Marcus
The ’90s are experiencing a fashion resurgence, and Photographer Pamela Hanson has certainly become the toast of the town as she reaps the benefits of this retro look. On Thursday night, I attended the gallery opening for her exhibition, “In the 90s,” at the Staley-Wise Gallery in SoHo. This event also celebrated the release of her new book, “The 90s,” a 360-page visual journey published by Rizzoli offered for sale here, of her works during that decade
Hanson was signing in large script on the flyleaf of the 360-page tome for those who bought a copy, as well as greeting her fans (some with dogs or babies in tow) and photographic subjects who came out to support her.
Original photo by Pamela Hanson, model Milla Jovovich, for GQ, 1996
She has been featured recently in many major publications, including The New York Times, W Magazine, Air Mail, L’Officiel, and The New Yorker. Last week, she was honored at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by none other than one of her famous subjects, Supermodel Christy Turlington, who was also in attendance here.
Photo by Pamela Hanson of Catherine Deneuve, French Elle, Paris 1989
Born in London, with her formative years spent in Switzerland, attending the American School in Lugano and then the University of Colorado, Hanson was initially interested in both photography and painting. After working in Paris as an assistant to Arthur Elgort, her photographic skills won out.
Photo of Christy Turlington by Pamela Hanson for Jane Magazine. 1998
Pamela became famous for her rather unconventional photos of the Kates, Christys, and Lindas of the late ’80s and ’90s, showing them looking joyful, having fun, or in unusual, less posed settings, rather than staring wanly into the camera.
Models, photo by Laurel Marcus
Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Town & Country, and Vanity Fair, as well as in print and video commercials for brands such as Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, Supreme, L’Oréal, Dior, and others. She has utilized her talents directing spots for various charity fundraisers, including those for Juvenile Diabetes, as well as a documentary PSA for The Partnership at Drugfree.org.
Dustin Pittman, photo by Laurel Marcus
At the gallery opening, a handlebar-mustachioed photographer tried to position Hanson in front of one of her works. “Which is your favorite photo?” he asked. “I like them all,” she answered with the old saw, “that’s like asking someone to pick their favorite child.”
Christy Turlington, photo by Laurel Marcus
The very New York crowd included well-wishers such as Christy Turlington, who posed for photos with a large white dog, as well as model and subject Beri Smither, a host of aspiring young models, and others from the fashion and photography industries. Guest enjoying the exhibition, photo by Laurel Marcus.
I ran into Artist Scooter LaForge, who works closely with Patricia Field (I hadn’t seen him around in years), who told me to check out the new location of her store at 211 East Broadway on the LES. “It’s got a different vibe than the last ARTFASHION (formerly located at 200 East Broadway) – it’s got some of the flavor of the original Patricia Field store,” he explained. Speaking of resurrecting 90s fashions, he admired my “homegrown vintage” Balenciaga City bag, which seems to be all the rage again, especially the more “lived-in” ones.
Scooter was scooting out to attend an exhibition by Architect (“Starchitect”) Peter Marino, also happening that evening.
Frank Everett of Sotheby’s, photo by Laurel Marcus
When I bumped into Frank Everett, SVP/Vice Chairman of Jewelry at Sotheby’s, he told me he liked my (costume) jewelry. “None of it’s real,” I answered. “I only wear my real jewelry uptown.” He reminded me that Sotheby’s is relocating to Madison Avenue (in the former Met Breuer building) soon.
He added that I shouldn’t miss the upcoming fantastic exhibition and sale of high jewelry on December 9, featuring a fantastic selection of JAR pieces. All in all, it was just a typical late-summer apres fashion week night downtown in the greatest city we know.
“In the 90s” is on view until November 8 at Staley-Wise Gallery, 100 Crosby Street.
