Le MÉlange

mé·lange

/māˈlänj/

noun

noun: melange; plural noun: melanges; noun: mélange; plural noun: mélanges

In French, "mélange" translates to "mixture" or "blend" in English. It refers to a combination or mixing of different things, whether physical objects or abstract concepts like emotions. The French verb "mélanger" means "to mix".

What can I find on this site?

Hopefully —- Everything.

I created this site with the intention of visually illustrating the things that make me - me. From my childhood in the Middle East and North Africa, to my exploration of art in Texas, to my year of teaching in Israel and Palestine and more, there are so many things which have added to my toolbox of skills and experiences. This website is supposed to reveal my formational life stories, and the projects that have marked time through that life.

So what are you? Photographer? Teacher? Visual Artist?

I like to think I am all of above. As a child I wrestled with the concept of passion. I was pushed to find a single passion and finally determined I was more interested in becoming a jack of all trades. I have always been about the ‘big picture’ and I wanted to be the director of the orchestra, the project, the plan. In order to understand the big picture however, one has to get down with the nitty gritty and I have been crafting my skills across a a variety of skills to build my qualifications and appreciation of craft.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I see myself as a creative director. I don’t know yet what my stage will look like, whether its a studio, a fashion show, a brand, or a community space. My strengths lie in relationships, an eye for detail, a knack for clear communication, and an awareness of unspoken reality. I see myself (someday) in a creative space leading artistic and human expressions of beauty and life.

Why should we connect?

As I mentioned- community building is my purpose in life. Thoughtful communication and reaching people’s hearts through art and creativity is my calling. I would love to connect with you and find ways we can support each other as artists or just as people curious about the world. I believe I have talent to offer - I know you do too!

Project History

Statebags

Melke

American Eagle

Uggs X Highsnobiety

Robin Arzon Peloton

Honeylainstudios

State Bags

State Bags Styling and Photoshoot October 2023

fashion styling:

zara, mango, staud, ganni, american eagle

product styling:

statebags

Melke Fashion show

In Fall of 2023 I had the opportunity to assist on styling Emma Gage’s collection for her incredibly unique brand - MELKE. This show was inspired by Elton John, James and the Giant Peach, and many more childhood whimsies, all wrapped up in an incredibly detailed collection of pieces. I took the time after the show to photograph some of the unique guests who were the first to witness this collection. They were the embodiment of this brand, taking the bright colors of childhood and wearing them around the streets of New York City.

Between creating each outfit with my incredible boss - Melina Kemph, partnering with GotMilk, bedazzling heels and doc martins, I was able to experience the hustle and bustle of fashion show prep. I wanted to capture this moment and all the joy that this designer’s hard work brought about. If I had to describe the show - I would say it was an exceptional feat of world-making on a NYFW runway.