Danielle Levitt

Danielle Levitt is just an awesome force of nature. She’s been photographing pop culture, celebs, and serious scenes for over a decade now. Her clients range from Editorial (The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Arena Homme Plus, and New York magazine) to Advertising (Intel and Target). This is her first monograph — an excellent body of work honoring the diversity of American Youth. We Are Experienced includes football stars, tanorexics, wiccans, punks, prom dates, snowboarders, and baton twirlers.

Jauretsi: Why did you decide to specifically zero in on “the teen years” for the topic of your book?

Danielle: Well, it is the most fantastic period to observe. It’s within this time period that teens go through great lengths to discover who they are, they are very expressive, and passionate. My photographs depict the results of their quest.

How long were you traveling to compile this collection of photos and what cities did you visit? What would you say is the one major revelation with American Youth today?

I’ve been working the project since 2004 but intensely since 2006. I visited over 90 cities to compile this body of work. i wanted the survey to be broad. Todays youth have a greater desire to assert themselves. The statements kids make through dress and interest are really bold and unapologetic. They’re committed and passionate about their ‘thing’ — their likes, and dislikes.

What are you working on right now in terms of magazines? And what’s the next big personal inspiration on the grill?

I’m working for great publications, New York Times magazine, GQ, Arena Homme Plus. I have a great new idea in the works. Of course its teen based, but i don’t want to reveal too soon. I gotta get the ball rollin’ first!

Book Release was Nov 15, perfect for holidays. We Are Experienced can be purchased at We Are Experienced/Powerhouse.
J

MAO Does Sprouse

The MAO PR dudes have a new book coming out, honoring the life of Stephen Sprouse. Published by Rizzoli, Louis Vuitton stores will be carrying a special edition come January 8th, with regular copies available on January 13th. One half of MAO PR Roger Padilha gave us this exclusive insight into what we can expect from this long-awaited publication.
“The Stephen Sprouse Book is the definitive exploration of the late artist’s work as a designer and an artist. Through exclusive access to the Sprouse family archives as well as from the archives of photographers, art collectors, fashion magazines and personal friends of Stephen, we were able to put together a book which chronicles his entire 25+ year career. Most of the images have never before been seen and include sketches and notes from Stephen which supplement some of the most iconic images from his career from the world’s biggest fashion photographers such as Steven Meisel, Patrick DeMarchelier, and Inez Van Lamsweerde. Even if you are not already a fan of Stephen Sprouse’s work, you can’t deny after seeing all of it collected in this way his extraordinary influence in the worlds of fashion, art, and design which still resonates today. People are going to be amazed when they see this book!” - Roger Padilha, Creative Director, MAO Public Relation

Celeb Dogs

(Naomi Watt’s dog, Bob)

I like how Powerhouse Books has these random releases of subcultures within subcultures. In this particular case, its “Celebs Dogs”. I won’t overly describe this book cuz, well, it is what it is — a funny walk thru peoples most intimate partners — their pets.

(Patti Wilson’s dog, Marcel. Francois Nars dog, Chino)

(Marc Jacobs dog, Alfred)

(Asia Argento’s dog, Dziga)

(Steven Klein’s dogs, Axel and Ruby)

(HBO’s True Blood creator Alan Ball’s dog, Bean)

Debbie Harry’s dog, Chi Chi

(Celebrity Dogs cover)

Available now on Powerhousebooks.com.
J

Stay Gold is Online Now

Last seasons Sophomore Goodies are sold online now…

Sophomore Online Store.
J

The Young & The Banging

Inspired by the Ezra Petronio book Bold and Beautiful of Self Service Magazine which is packed with “Power Media” polaroids (see pics here), this fresh book is a newbie take on the same concept. The Young & The Banging is the new high-school yearbook for all the cool kids in New York City right now — roughly 200 new faces!

Polaroid contributors for the book include local favorites Tracy Antonopoulos, Sage Grazer, Rachel Smith, Philippa Price, Nicole Saldana, Louise Erhard, Laura Gerster, Katia Hakko, Kate Brien, Kathy Lo, Julia Tepper, Dana Veraldi, Carly Mark, Anna Skladmann and Amanda Merten. PURPLE Magazine called these 14 co-creator girls “a fascinating new generation”.

Dontcha love how New York turns over every 10 years?

The book is available at Colette-Paris, Supreme, Reed Space, and Printed Matter. It can also be purchased online at The Young & the Banging.
J