What is New York if not a perpetual parade of sophisticated women off to something exciting, somewhere exciting?
For three years now freelance womenswear designer Joshua Kamei has been photographing and interviewing New York's sidewalk standouts on his cult favorite Instagram account, Ladies of Madison Avenue. His charming Southern drawl crawls curiously off camera, posing a most important question to passersby who've caught his eye, "Could you tell me a little about your look today?"
Inspired by Annette de la Renta, Mercedes Bass, Lynn Wyatt, Nan Kempner, Babe Paley, C.Z. Guest and Jackie O, Kamei certainly has a type - camel coats, big sunglasses, scarves wrapped just so - sniffing out elegant women in every corner of the city. Perched by Bergdorf's or staked outside the society event of the season, his generous flattery is a catnip of sorts to the city's swans. The videos are simple - they stop mid-stroll, with a smile, and share everything from their outfit details to their overall style philosophy, punctuated always by an instant shoulder-swaying tune, Kamei's video editing calling card, if you will - and yet they are so magically engaging.
Intrigued much?
What makes you decide to stop someone on the street - is there something in particular that catches your eye?
Personal style, a timeless polished look. I love a character as well though, but you know when you just look at someone and think "my god she is fabulous." I love women like that.
Are there any spots where you tend to see the best dressed women?
Bergdorf Goodman, of course.
Has starting your platform made you approach how you dress on a daily basis any differently?
No, but I try to be appropriate if it is an event. When I interviewed people for the ABT Gala I wore a tuxedo even though I wasn't attending. It's less jarring.
How would you describe Upper East Side style?
They share a sense of pride in putting themselves together in the way they want to be viewed and to show respect to the places and people they patron. When it comes to getting dressed, the goal is paying attention to detail that appears effortless and accessorizing masterfully.
Any fads you're seeing lately that you're not the biggest fan of?
Street interviews.
For the most part, are the women you stop on the street happy to chat?
I think they are intrigued.
Who are some of your favorite people to spot on the sidewalk?
Aerin Lauder, Amy Fine Collins, Marilyn Kirschner, Dr. Cynthia Magro, Nadine Kasuga, Liz Friedman, Rory Gevis, Sharon Jacob. I saw Mrs. Natori leaving church this week in the rain and she was in all black cashmere, fabulous.
What style lessons can the younger generation learn from the more established society set?
To develop an individual style that gives you confidence. Confidence is what we all need to get through life. Attention to detail, effort that appears effortless, buying investment pieces, accessories are key. Don't save precious items for special occasions. Wear your jewelry, use your grandmother's silver candelabras that are in a closet somewhere, take out the "good" china that is in a box or a cabinet. Get dressed up and go to the ballet. Buy fresh cut flowers. Stationery and thank you notes.
In your professional opinion, who is the chicest woman in New York?
I like individuality so to name one would be a great injustice. I love Carolina Herrera, Annette de la Renta, Aerin Lauder, Lauren Santo Domingo, Brooke Garber, Leandra Medine because there is always something quirky to her look and sometimes even humor. I think humor is important, Amy Fine Collins. New York has lots of great women.
Where are the ladies lunching these days?
I still love seeing a woman getting dressed up and meeting another woman - a friend, daughter, mother, or grandmother - for lunch at BG. It is just so New York.
Can't-miss charity events?
I really adored covering the Spring Gala Celebration to benefit Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. All of the designers designed the tablescapes. I got to interview Christopher Spitzmiller with his husband Anthony Bellomo on their tablescape with white and blue marbled china, and plants and flowers from their store Orangerie Garden in Millbrook. Andrea Stark was there and her tablecloth was a custom pink scalamandre fabric, how fabulous.
I also had fun covering the ABT Gala, because there is nothing more New York than showing up at Lincoln Center dressed beautifully. I interviewed Jean Shafiroff who arrived in a custom gown by Bmicheal and a wonderful lady in Pre Columbian jewelry and a gown by Han Feng.
I recently covered the Friends of Wethersfield Garden Luncheon honoring Barbara Tober. All of the women wore hats and one woman, Alexis, put fresh dahlias from her garden on her hat. I thought that was wonderful. I also got to meet Carolyne Roehm. I just love her. She taught us that blue and white is always a good idea and why not add lily of the valley to your table?
Which designer shows did you love most this season?
In New York I really liked Proenza Schouler's Spring 2024 show. I thought it was great. Amazing inspiring women came to their show - The Grace Coddington, The Carine Roitfeld. Karen Elson, Lauren Santo Domingo, Leandra Medine, Elizabeth von der Goltz. I love when any designer can achieve a mix of downtown/uptown looks. I also really loved what Wes Gordon did this season at Carolina Herrera inspired by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
The Couture Council honored Gabriela Hearst at its luncheon, so all of the women showed up in Gabriela Hearst designs and bags. I particularly liked seeing Sharon Jacob in a Gabriela Hearst leather dress that was perfect "daytime glamour."
Which season do you get most excited for outfit-wise?
Fall. I love coats, handbags, gloves, accessories. Though I do love a hat at a Garden party. Suzanne of Suzanne Couture Millinery makes wonderful hats for women on the Upper East Side. She designs quite a number for the Central Park Conservancy Luncheon and the Kentucky Derby.
What do you think is the secret behind true class and sophistication?
Kindness. As Maya Angelous said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Any tricks for looking instantly polished?
A low chignon like Annette de la Renta and black sunglasses.
[Photos courtesy @ladiesofmadisonavenue]
.jpg "How Comms Guru & Founder Of The PR Net Lisa Smith Put Her Stylish Stamp On The Industry")
.jpg "Who Are The Assoulines? Meet The Chic First Family Of Luxury Publishing")
.jpg "Who Is Nats Getty? The Oil Heir & Trans Activist Is Living Life Loud & Proud")
.jpg "Worldly Socialite Haya Maraka's Elegant Etiquette Tips For The Modern Lady")
.jpg "Haute Hostess Christine Chiu's Guide To Throwing The Most Fabulous Fête")
