STYLE YOUR PARENT(S)

The "STYLE YOUR PARENT(S)" series is an opportunity to bring two generations together. The kids do the styling and the parents do the modeling. The series challenges society’s youth obsessed mentality and shows how much beauty there is with age and in the bond between parent and their child. 

CELEBRATING OUR CREATORS. FLIPPING THE SCRIPT AND PUTTING THE KIDS IN CHARGE.

SUSAN

STYLED BY HER SON JORDAN

When Jordan presented his mom with the 2 looks he would be styling her in she laughed, “That’s so Jordan….I’m supposed to put that on?!”

Sue was born and raised in New York and carried her son’s looks like she was born to wear vibrant colors. Jordan said, “it was no surprise to me how well she did in front of the lens … she’s a star!”

"I am 61 years young and feel amazing." Sue's contagious spirit and zest for life at 61 serve as a testament to the boundless energy and enthusiasm that transcends age.

Jordan, a musician and Founder/Creative Director of IGUANA LIMITED® describes his mother as a “momentum shifting force in nature, ever-evolving energy, knowledge seeker, virtuous vagabond, insightful eye opener, child of God, love linguist, warm-hearted, neat freak, with enough drip to drown us all in the waves crashing near her closet door.”

Sue said, “I’m mostly proud of Jordan because he understands how being himself is the greatest art form there is….and his craft is a blessing to this World!” Sue's journey is an inspiring one, marked by resilience and self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of aging gracefully: "I have embraced getting older... It is something money can't buy."

Sue’s advice for the younger generation is: “Tell the truth. It’s the only thing you really can rely on.”

SIMON

STYLED BY HIS SON MATT

Simon, 73 years-young, is a legend in the garment district. All of the BIG name brands (from Ralph Lauren to BODE to Laquan Smith) go to Simon’s business for patterns and to bring their designs to life. He was born in Shanghai, China, raised in Hong Kong, and has been in NYC since 1975.

His son Matt, works in the fashion industry as well and styled him with pieces from his own closet in his stunning apartment in Dumbo.

Simon is no stranger to vibrant and creative design. He told us, “I was looking forward to our shoot. Matt knows that I am not shy with colors and prints. I see how he dresses my grandkids and was totally comfortable.”

Matt admires his dads total ease in front of the camera; “he makes everything look effortless… I dont think there was much styling on my end. It was just pulling things out of the closet for him.” Matt also shared with us how genuine and generous his father is. “Whether he just met you or has known you for years he treats everyone the same.”

Simon’s advice for the younger generation is: “Enjoy each moment, life’s not a race but a collection of memories”

KYOKO

STYLED BY HER SON KEIZO AND HER DAUGHTER KAZUMI

Keizo (23 years old) and Kazumi (25 years old) went through their mothers closet on the Upper West Side and styled her in 2 dynamite looks. They said their mother “famously does not like having her photo taken, but she also is at a point in her life where she’s so open to trying new things.” And this spirit of playfulness permeated the entire session.

Kyoko, an early childhood teacher has the energy and enthusiasm of a kid herself! From dancing on the couch to taking movement direction like a pro, she might as well launch her modeling career at 57 years old! She told me that the best thing about getting older is that “I don’t give a fuck anymore! And everything has become much more interesting and exciting because of that.”

Kyoko’s advice for the younger generation: “You are the only you. There is no good or bad–don’t disregard anything about yourself!”

MARCO

STYLED BY HIS SON MICHAEL

Marco Pico was born in Ecuador and came to NYC in the 90s. He reunited with his son recently after spending the past 5 years back home in Ecuador. We came to Marco’s home in New Jersey where Michael styled his father in his own garments.

Michael lives in NYC and is a style icon. His fashion-forward lifestyle comes from his father’s influence. Marco said “It feels really good to know that my son carries on my style. Of course, I liked what I was wearing (for the shoot). When I was younger I dressed exactly the same, just different colors.”

Marco’s advice for the younger generation is: “Do what makes you happy and always follow your dreams. Make your parents proud regardless of their expectations.”

JESSICA

STYLED BY HER SON VICE

Jessica welcomed me into her home/Vice’s childhood apartment in Ridgeview, Queens and agreed to let her son style his her in 3 incredible looks for a photoshoot. After our shoot, Jessica told me: “Sometimes you think being a parent is all about teaching them, but they teach you too. My son reminds me to look at myself as unstoppable.”

JACK

STYLED BY HIS DAUGHTER APRIL

I had the honor of collaborating with the fashion legend, April Walker, who styled her incredibly smooth father, Jack, in her beautiful home in Fort Greene. The bond between April and her dad is something truly special. April said, "He is my best friend. He is flexible, fluid, and nonjudgmental, and he has been adaptable with time. He's not someone still living in the past but he remains looking towards the future. He loves in his heart. He walks with love. And he spreads love."

Jack, 79-years-old (somehow!), is a true renaissance man. He was once a Musician's Manager and is now a Music Producer, Composer, Artist, and Poet. He's a stylish guy who normally dresses casually but "not without intent," as he put it. This wasn't the first time his daughter helped style him, but it was his first solo photoshoot styled by her! April was confident her dad would be comfortable in front of the camera. "He's a Leo, so he's not shy!"

April, the renowned fashion game-changer, culture creator, and founder/designer behind Walker Wear (a brand that shaped what we consider to be "streetwear" today), pulled some vintage and new Walker Wear pieces from her archives and mixed in some items from her father's wardrobe. April said, "It was amazing styling him just because I love my dad. He's very fluid like me, so he's open to anything. The best part was just being able to spend time with him and seeing him model the outfits. He should get signed up with the casting agent because he's got that gift!"

It gave me goosebumps to photograph Jack standing proud in front of his daughter's wall of countless accomplishments. The mutual admiration and love between them was remarkable to be in the presence of.

Jack's advice for the younger generation is to read Aesop's fables and "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh," from which he cited a quote to live by: "What is yours today, tomorrow will belong to another. The only thing one will take out of this life is their good works. So work for good, not for goods, for service, not to be served."

LORI

STYLED BY HER TWIN DAUGHTERS BRENN AND JULES

Lori (and her dog Bowie) greeted us into their home in Williamsburg, BK where her twin daughters each styled her in a look that reflected their own personal taste. Jules told us, “When you have a twin it’s really easy to be made to feel like you’re both one person despite that being far from the truth. I think each of our outfits showed off our personalities… Most importantly they both looked sick!”

Lori told us, “Throughout their life they've watched how I selected different pieces to curate specific looks, so I knew I was in good hands….Hey, they got it from their mama!” ;)

Not only was Lori confident in her daughter’s stying, she also is no stranger to the camera. As a teen she participated in pageants and later was a model in commercials and print. Her daughter’s, now models and artists themselves, had no doubt that their mom would be in her element for this shoot.

Brenn said, “My mom inspired my sister and I to get into the arts and I’m so grateful that she always had such an open mind… Having her support for my more unconventional route in life allows me to pursue my true passions and find a career that truly makes me happy.”

Lori’s advice for the younger generation:
“Stay true to yourself! Although you will face different obstacles in life, know that you can create your own lane. Be your biggest fan and don't let anyone deter you!”

TITO

STYLED BY HIS SON ZEKE

I visited Tito in his home in Woodside, Queens where he showed off his incredible guitar and bass collection. He said, “Playing music, jamming with my band and spending time with my family brings me joy.” His piece of advice for the younger generation is: “Always respect your parents. And enjoy every moment you can, even the little things.” 😌

MS. ROBIN

STYLED BY HER SON OWEN

Upon my arrival to the Bronx, Ms. Robin greeted me warmly and invited me into her tranquil home. Her son, Owen, delved into his mother's closet, uncovering a variety of forgotten items mixed with his own personal pieces. Ms. Robin later said: “My son did an amazing job. He selected pieces that I would never put together. But everything worked! I particularly loved the Marc Jacobs outfit with accessories.  Fun and playful. I liked what he embellished with the Yankee top. I didn’t particularly like the skirt as I felt it made me look like an old lady…”

I asked Ms. Robin, 68 years young, to impart some advice to the younger generation and she gave me a list filled with wisdom:

“Be true to yourself and be honest with others.
Your actions must always match your words.
Be a good listener, not always reactionary.
Embrace life and all it has to offer.
Practice forgiveness and grace in all that you do.”

ERIKA

STYLED BY HER SON YUJI

Erika opened the door to her Bronx home where her son, Yuji styled her for her first-ever photoshoot! Erika came to NYC from Mexico in 1999 and works in construction. She was a natural in front of the camera and said “I felt so happy and proud that my son got to style me. I always wanted to model.”

Yuji, a 19-year-old multi-hyphenate creative, styled his mom using several pieces that were handmade by family members. He said that styling his mom was “a dream come true….It made me really happy and emotional, to see her in the outfits I put together. I was like, ‘wow! I have a really beautiful mother!’ I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Yuji celebrated his family’s Mexican heritage in this shoot by incorporating elements of Santa Muerte, (a saint that represents death) in the props/set he built at the entrance to his mother’s apartment. He and his mother taught me that his family builds altars to honor Santa Muerte to show respect. Yuji’s mom introduced Santa Muerte to her son at an early age and has shaped his perspective surrounding death and taught him never to fear it.

Erika’s list of things that get better as she gets older:
“Decisions I make. Being more selective with who I surround myself. Valuing life. Understanding my parents now, since I’m a mother.”

JENN AND MICHAEL

STYLED BY THEIR SON DAVID

On a sunny afternoon on the Upper East Side, the Ruff family invited me into their home, where they have lived for the last 13+ years. 
David, an ambitious 20-year-old  content creator, writer, creative consultant, and college student thoughtfully styled his parents in what he wanted to see them wear. He told me, “I tried to style them while being mindful of reservations they might have. My mom is one of the most confident people I know (and I credit much of my discovery of personal style to her), but she is a bit camera shy. On the other hand, my dad loves any moment he can get in front of the camera.”

When I asked the couple about what it was like having their son style them, Jenny expressed some hesitation in the process and preferred the silk dress look to the denim look.  Michael seemed to enjoy the whole process (his only reservation was about the Prada scarf in the denim look.) He said, “David has amazing style and taste. I love looking younger and cooler! I always ask him for style tips/opinions. Can’t wait for the next shoot!”

Jenny’s advice for the younger generations:
“Try to enjoy the moments -- don't overthink everything - those were my mistakes.”

Michael’s advice for the younger generation:
“Stay present and engaged  with people  and get off the phones!”

LIZ

STYLED BY HER SONS THERMAL AND EDDIE

Nothing makes me happier than watching someone grow increasingly comfortable in front of the lens. Like most parents I photograph for this series, Liz was initially hesitant (or “frightened” as she later put it) about the whole experience but by the end of our afternoon, she was posing and giving angles with each click of the camera. Liz lives in the Bronx and is a branch manager at a bank and typically dresses feminine/business casual. Her sons are both fashion designers and were needles-to-say, excited about putting together a couple looks for their mom that reflected their style. Liz told us, “At first I was like I have to go shopping for a nice elegant dress, but they were like no we’re going to dress you. It was totally not my style initially but after I thought okay this is different, I felt the vibe!

Thermal is the creative director and co-founder of the fashion label WHENSMOKECLEARS @whensmokeclears (a well-known uptown couture brand) and describes his style as “genderless street”. His younger brother Eddie is a photographer and designer/cofounder of Persona Uniform and draws his fashion inspiration from 70s Caribbean Americans. Thermal was surprised at how much his mom enjoyed being in front of the camera. He was excited to show his mom that she can be wacky. “Fashion isn’t always about walking a straight line.” Eddie on the other hand was not shocked at his mom’s ease and energy. He said “I always knew she had it in her. Thats our momma! I was waiting on this day for a longgg time. Every look worked out perfectly & to be honest I feel like she really ended up liking the looks as well. She kept my shorts on for the rest of the day!”

Liz’s advice for the younger generation:
Never lose your faith. Put God first. Stay strong during hard times and never give up! If I made it this far, so can you….

CRAIG AND YVONNE

STYLED BY THEIR DAUGHTER MEGAN

Yvonne and Craig met when they were 16 years old and have been together for 38 years. They are both proud Puerto Ricans, born and raised in the Bronx, so it was fitting to photograph them in their old neighborhood, where their daughter, Meg currently lives.

Meg told me, “When I first called my dad to tell him about the shoot, he immediately hated the idea. He said ‘Im not playing dress up with you. You think I’m a little doll or something?!’”

Mr. Melendez is a former Marine and currently serves in government and Mrs. Melendez is an elementary school teacher specializing in language acquisition

Despite Meg’s father’s initial apprehension, he wound up loving the outfit his daughter styled him in! Yvonne was more open to the process. She told me, “ I loved the monochromatic look of the matching shirt and skirt combo and was delighted that Meggie was okay with me swapping out the mile-high heels for my favorite AF1s.”

Meg told me, “I got the Air Forces for my Dad from a Nike AF1 40th anniversary event. My mom was tight that I got my dad and me matching pairs but not her. My mom said, “You’re not even from the Bronx, I am!” She went online to order them for herself that day.”

Although Yvonne and Craig currently live in Virginia, the Bronx will forever have a special place in their heart. Yvonne told me, “the Bronx’s rich culture and diversity molded and cemented our identities as New Yorkers and as Puerto Ricans…Together the community learned to hustle and survive. Our parents’ pride in our heritage and commitment to our success was a powerful driving force.” Those values have been passed down to Megan and her younger brother, Max. Megan, a former-gymnast is currently a marketing strategist and personal trainer/fitness coach and recalls her Dad’s dedication to her training. “My dad never missed a single meet… He was like Puerto Rican King Richard. Half of that energy comes from Yvonne, who is their “biggest cheerleader. Aside from her work as a teacher, she is wildly creative! She’s an OG scrapbooker.

Craig and Yvonne’s advice for the younger generation:
• Invest your time and money wisely.
• Eat healthy, exercise regularly.
• Call your parents.
• Be kind.

ARLENE

STYLYED BY HER DAUGHTER KHIANA

Born and raised in Jamaica, Arlene's magnetic energy and ease during our shoot stemmed from her previous experiences participating in fashion shows during her university days. Recently retired as a senior financial services executive and now an independent board director for publicly traded corporations, Arlene epitomizes a true boss. 

Khiana, a talented creative producer, styled her mother from the comfort of Arlene's exquisite apartment in Harlem. No detail went unnoticed. Arlene said, “I trusted that Khiana would make great choices because her attire is always admired when she walks down the street.  I liked what she selected, and I was perhaps even more impressed with her attention to details, like the accessories she selected, the scenery, and the instructions she gave me on posing.”

Merging their individual styles, Khiana expertly had her mother stepping out of her comfort zone, putting together outfits that combined pieces from both their closets and some borrowed from friends. Khiana said, “Doing this shoot together really brought her into my world in a new way.” 

It was so special to see Arlene lean on her daughter for movement direction and look to her for affirmation. The mutual respect and cooperation, was remarkable. Khiana later told me how she admires her mother’s fearlessness. “I’ve never seen her back down from trying something new and going after what she wants no matter how big or small.”

Arlene’s advice for the younger generation: “Be more patient, what seems like a long time to achieve your goals is really a milli second in the journey of life.  You can learn something from everyone if you understand that everyone who is placed on this earth has a purpose and has value.”

SILVIA

STYLED BY HER SON JOEL

Silvia, an Ecuadorian at heart 🇪🇨, has called the East Village/LES home for a remarkable 38 years. I met her and her son Joel, a 34-year old film producer at his childhood home on East 12th street where he styled her in pieces from his favorite designer, Willy Chavarria alongside some pieces from his own wardrobe.

Two years ago, Joel walked in his first ever runway show for Willy Chavarria which he marks as a major turning point in his life which catapulted him into believing in himself on a higher level. It was so special to see Joel put his mother in this position and to celebrate her beauty and show her a side of herself that perhaps she had not seen or believed was there!

She took to the modeling like a pro. During the shoot she kept asking me (while posing), “Como asi!? Como asi!?” ….YES SILVIA! YESSSS!

Silvia has an enormous heart and works as a home health aide. Joel cannot say enough good things about his mother. He tells me, "She’s a Goddess that raised me to become a king as well.”

Sylvia’s advice for the younger generation: "Lend a hand. Empatía and gratitud. You never know what someone is going through. Love your neighbors as yourself; extend kindness. And cherish nature, our precious Earth 🌎."⁣⁣

DREW

STYLED BY HIS SON DAVID

Drew required NO warming up. Right out the gate, he was climbing fences, hailing cabs, getting trucks to honk, busting out high kicks; the definition of a true rocker. "I have fantasized about being a rock star and an actor and a model, so in a way, I have always been practicing and preparing for this. So, when it was time to actually formally be in front of the camera…I was like – ok, yes – let’s kick the shit out of this!"

Although David regularly styles his father, they’ve never done a formal photoshoot! When I met David, a 24 year old artist (focusing on styling and production) at his apartment in the East Village for the shoot, he had 3 freshly steamed outfits hanging on a rack, print-outs of each look taped to the wall, a table filled with snacks and his younger brother and a friend ready to assist…talk about prepared! David had a vision for his father. He told me, “styling can so often be overdone, I was going for the 'less is more' approach. My dad was so phenomenal throughout the whole prep process. We had a few meetings / fittings where we went over some of his favorite inspirations which we incorporated into our final looks. He was incredibly open to all of my ideas.”

I was blown away by Drew's ability to make us all laugh during the shoot and touched by the evident love and father/son bond between them. David later told me, “My dad is an extremely special person, and I really can’t believe he is my dad. The love and kindness he radiates is so unique. He is a bright light with infectious energy.”Drew echoed his son’s sentiment; “I feel that David and I are really connected at the soul – I know there are many times we can communicate without speaking or know the other’s thoughts just by a feeling.”

Drew’s advice for the younger generation: “Have the confidence and ability to know that eventually you will figure it out. Be comfortable with the uncertainty. There is so much power and revelation in the simple passing of 24 hours.”