Masthead header

5 Beekman Fashion Shoot

It is not often one gets to infuse fashion with not only beauty but history. The Temple Court at Beekman 5 is not only inspiring, but grand and theatrical, which is quite appropriate for a building constructed over the ruins of a theater where Hamlet was first performed in America in 1751. It was built by Eugene Kelly, the famed Irish American banker in 1881-83, and a quintessential American immigrant. His obituary proclaimed as its title that he “Started as a Clerk With $500 — Never Sought Political Preferment” – a remarkable sentiment in the age with the Occupy Wall Street protests so close by. The building’s magnificent design and architecture and pyramidal shape, foreshadowed modern skyscrapers and its unusual mix of styles of Renaisssance to Queen Anne and neoclassicism, spoke to the heart of a burgeoning city that took pride in amalgamation. An early guidebook to NY proclaimed that “drama, art, literature and finance have all thrived on this spot.” It was very exciting to continue in that tradition, especially during the brief period while its sits in stunning ruin and awaits a make-over as a new and splendid hotel.

This was my second shoot at what I imagined was my abandoned Palace ;). I had a fabulous engagement session there with Suzanne and James and just had to go back and unlock the heavy padlock that concealed its inner splendor. I called up Jacqueline Weppner of Merci New York, who arranged and styled the shoot. She did an unbelievable job, exactly as I expected. There were a few unexpected last minute complications- fitting a couch through the small entrance available as well as carrying it up nine flights with all the gowns and equipment when the elevator decided not to cooperate that day. But one doesn’t get the opportunity everyday to shoot under a vaulted glass atrium and against walls left ruined by time that sit as canvases more beautiful than artists could have painted them.

Styling inspiration for the Five Beekman Shoot by the amazingly talented Jackie of Merci NY

Jackie of Merci NY wrote a few words about her process styling the shoot:

When Shira asked Merci New York to partner with her on creating a fashion editorial, I clearly jumped at the chance. (I’ve always adored Shira’s work and we’ve been wanted to collaborate for quite some time). But when she told us that the shoot would take place at the legendary Five Beekman (an abandoned “palace” located in downtown Manhattan), well needles to say, I was thrilled. An amazing photographer paired with a perfect backdrop = a stylist’s dream come true.

As a stylist, I adored the Harper’s BAZAAR shoot with Iman at the legendary locale, and I was inspired to work up something equally luxe, but focused solely on fashion for the chic New York City bride. I was right off the tails of previewing the runways of Fall Bridal Market, and inspired to showcase some of the trends that would hit ateliers in 2012.

The most prevalent trend I saw at market was the embracement of color – much more so than seasons’ past. From blush to grey, blue to black, every designer experimented with ample amounts of color in their collections. I envisioned the juxtaposition of a soft pastel palette against the dilapidated backdrop of the Beekman, and could not wait to begin developing the wardrobe, accessory and beauty details for our finished looks.

I decided to move forward with two palettes for the editorial: A warm and a cool – both pastel, but each accented with warm (gold and copper) or cool (silver) metallic accents. Rather than pull gowns from the Fall runway shows, I opted for dresses that were available for immediate order for any bride. My rationale was that brides who saw our editorial might fall in love with the gowns – and I wanted to showcase pieces that they could immediately touch, feel and order at several of Manhattan’s top bridal ateliers.

My friends at Kleinfeld, Gabriella Bridal Salon and Lovely Bridal Shop were all instrumental in the gown selection process. The gowns I pulled from them were not only editorially fascinating against the backdrop, but also wearable for city brides. Within the pastel color palette, I pulled gowns for the classic, romantic, whimsical, vintage and edgy brides – and accessorized them with jewelry and hair pieces from Merci New York’s softly launched Style Shop on NewlyWish.

We had an amazing hair, makeup and floral team who helped take our model’s look to the next level. I was particularly excited to toy with gold leaf make-up for the warm pastel looks, and Lauren Iavarone of Expert Makeup Artistry Studio totally rocked the concept. Paired with gorgeous hair from Pink Comb Salon, and floral designs from AvaFlora, we truly could not have asked for a better team.

Of course, the grand dame of the entire photoshoot experience was Shira Weinberger, who trusted Merci to create an editorial concept, but captured the scene with such talent and exquisite attention to detail that it was pretty than we ever imagined. Styling is one thing, but when a photographer looks at a vignette, they bring an entirely different perspective – and consider a slew of different variables – than a stylist. Shira’s photography, the finished product, was beyond beautiful. I can say we made our model pretty, but Shira made the entire editorial absolutely breathtaking.

Vendor List
Production & Styling: The very talented Jacqueline Weppner
Stylist Assistant: Christine Opitz
Photographer: Shira Weinberger
Photographer’s Assistant: William Dunleavy
Model: Anelisa Durham
Hair: Michelle Lo Conte (Recommended to all my brides)
Make Up: Lauren Iavarone (Recommended to all my brides)
Flowers: Lori Meigel (Recommended to all my brides)
Prop Rental: Props for Today
Dresses: Pnina Tornai, Sarah Jassir, Douglas Hannant, Ivy & Aster, Matthew Williamson, Claire Pettibone

Styled Looks
1. Blue Gown: Sarah Jassir’s “Maryla” Spring 2011 Collection available at Gabriella New York ($3,995) with Madame Mathilde blue crystal Catherine Earrings ($75) and Preston & Olivia vintage feather and veiling fascinator ($90).
Gown available at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

2. White gown with blue painted accents: Douglas Hannant “Fil Coupe Porcelain Blue Mermaid Gown” available at Gabriella New York ($7,865), with Deco necklace ($450) and Deco baguette earrings ($345) from Madame Mathilde, paired with oversize organza flower and birdcage veil from Preston and Olivia ($215).
Gown available at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

3. Pink gown (version 1): Ivy & Aster duchess gown with the prima jacket worn as skirt, both available at Lovely Bridal Shop. Paired with the Calista sash from Untamed Petals ($185) and light pink organza flower hair clip from Preston & Olivia ($80).
Gown available at Lovely Bridal Shop.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

4. Pink gown (version 2): Ivy & Aster duchess gown, available at Lovely Bridal Shop. Paired with peach Sissa necklace ($325) and rhinestone tiara necklace ($285) from Madame Mathilde and the light pink organza flower hair clip from Preston & Olivia ($80).
Gown available at Lovely Bridal Shop.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

5. Gold long sleeve gown: Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld ($13,000), earrings are vintage and stylist’s own.
Gown available at Kleinfeld.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

6. Gray embellished gown: Matthew Williamson available at Kleinfeld ($4,200), paired with the vintage art deco headband from Preston & Olivia ($42.50).
Gown available at Kleinfeld.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

7. White lace gown on Beekman rooftop: Claire Pettibone. With the Aimee rhinestone clasp belt worn as headband ($155).
Gown available at Kleinfeld.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

 

Finally I had the time to put this together! Here is Behind the Scenes from the Bridal Shoot I photographed at this amazing abandoned building, 5 Beekman in NYC.

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*