Remember when the world used to be so big? Things that were happening an ocean away seemed so disconnected to our day to day lives. Now the digital age means that photos snapped on the sidewalks of Manhattan or Paris or Tripoli, Libya, can be seen right on our own computer screens almost as soon as they were taken. Which is a good thing, I think, if it helps us begin to view ourselves as inhabitants of the same planet, sharing its limited resources wisely for a hoped for better future.
It also means that not only images, but also ideas can travel at the same speed of light, too. We've seen how the idea of protesting for democracy in one country can inspire the citizens of another country to demonstrate as well. Or how the recognition of fellow protestors engaged in comparable battles enabled citizens of different countries to conside each other comrades (I loved reading online about the Egyptians who learned of the protests taking place in Wisconsin recently...and expressed their solidarity by ordering them a pizza). Likewise, that same near instantaneous transmission of ideas allows more mundane moments of personal expression, such as those in the world of street fashion, to take wing and pollinate points all over the planet in the blink of an eye.
And that's just one of the many reasons I treat myself to a regular visits to MrNewton.net. Don't get me started on the sheer natural loveliness this website puts on display on a regular basis. Mr. Newton belongs to, not surprisingly, a man named Mr. Newton. Eddie Newton, actually. And though this North Carolina native makes his home in New York, his online photo journal reflects his endless travels around the world documenting the most amazing moments of street style I've seen on the web.
He himself describes the images he captures this way:
I think the best street style photography has a sort of reportage quality about it…you are blurring the lines between fashion photography and travel photography and photo journalism…and through the use of natural light and interesting contextual backgrounds, hopefully capturing not just a snap of a cute outfit but a real sense of time and place and mood. I definitely look for all of this and think about all of this when I’m out shooting. That said, sometimes I just like to shoot photos of cute hipsters. Accessible but aspirational is often what I’m going for – the cool girls and styling assistants who mix Alexander Wang with vintage with Topshop with something they made themselves – the girls who realize that the glue that pulls an outfit together is often just confidence and attitude.
Naturally, the grace, poise, and creativity of his subjects are glorious to behold. But I couldn't justify publicizing MrNewton.net simply on the basis of that alone. Fortunately, I've noticed Mr. Newton has captured a number of clogs and wood soled shoes on the feet of those who pose for him. And collecting a handful of those together was just the excuse I needed to present them...and his delightful blog...here. These are but a handful of the delights that await you, images taken on the streets of New York, London, Paris, Milan, Stockholm, and beyond. Do pay a visit and immerse yourself in the glimpses of the world he provides through his digital lens.
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I'm sorry. I just have to put in my two cents and say how much I love the way this woman's shoes pick up the colors of her dress and coat. Gorgeous.
If you see this man train his camera in your direction, smile warmly and know your image will be in excellent company!
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[On my feet today: it snowed overnight, and I had some running around in it to do. I'm afraid I didn't advance the cause of clogs at all with my fashion choices today. Just had on my old calf high scrunched up boots from Earth Shoes.]
1. I LOVE that beige dress. I want it.
2. I like that our senators have been hiding out in your state; small world, indeed.
3. Do you also keep a watch on thesartorialist.com?
Posted by: Tea | 02/27/2011 at 07:47 AM
I do wander by The Sartorialist from time to time. I have to admit that it's probably not very often due to blog envy.
Your senators are welcome here at any time. Wish we could do more to help.
I'm always impressed by how sexy an outfit can be when it reveals almost nothing.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 02/27/2011 at 09:53 AM
I too love Ed Newton; what I enjoy most is how fashionless the people typically are: they are not representing any particular look that I could find in a fashion rag, but seem to be wearing old things, new things, junk shop things, all thrown together with panache. Also, I am a complete sucker for color-pattern-disregard; my husband called it my laundromat look: I'm down to the bottom of the pile, therefore it's floral flannel PJ pants with a striped tee, leopard patent clogs and a beatup suede jacket. And every set of mardi gras beads I've ever had.
I just call that attitude.
Posted by: Melissa Krebs | 02/27/2011 at 12:02 PM
Oh, Lord, if you lived any closer, we'd go out for chai and stir things up a bit!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 02/27/2011 at 12:06 PM
Melissa: When I dress that way, my husband calls it "psychedelic homeless person." I get comments like that from him a lot. :)
Posted by: Tea | 02/28/2011 at 08:03 AM