Q&A With a Fashion Week TrendSpotter

By G J DONNELLY 09.04.2007 imt

Designers, models, and of course, all those front-row celebrities tend to steal the spotlight during fashion week. However, none of their carefully curated looks would be recognizable if photographers were not on hand to document all. Many shutterbugs can be found poised at the end of the runway to capture collection after collection, or scurrying around backstage to snap visuals of burgeoning beauty trends, but the bravest, most creative souls can be spotted outside the tents taking candid shots of editors, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts’ personal style. Getting great shots requires temerity, timing, and of course a good eye—valuable assets in any setting. To gain insight on such a stylish profession, we caught up with street-style photographer and trendspotter extraordinaire Anne Ziegler—and be sure to check back on Glam to see her portraits of September’s fashion week crowd. xS.C.

Name: Anne Ziegler
Hometown: Los Angeles
Current residence: West Village
Favorite restaurant in your hood: That would be a tie between Extra Virgin and the Spotted Pig
Profession: Trend Forecaster
First job in the industry: PR assistant at Sigerson Morrison
Preferred camera: Nikon D50
What bag do you carry when shooting?Miu Miu messenger bag so my hands are free to shoot.
When off-duty?: Chanel tote—it fits everything, including the camera!
Favorite fashion week: New York, of course! No city can compete with the energy at New York Fashion week.
Describe your photography style. Your clothing style? In both cases I just follow my instincts and try not to over-think it.
Who rules your closet? Forever 21 has a stronghold, but other favs include Vena Cava, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Marni and Isabel Marant.
If money were no object, what would you wear? More jewels.
What’s the best thing about shooting during fashion week? The worst? Generally I spend the whole week staring at people from the neck down, so I always love it when I spot a great outfit and look up to see that it is one of my friends! The worst is when publicists of b-list stars think I am paparazzi and ask me to take pictures of their clients.
What’s the toughest aspect about shooting street styles during fashion week? The Spring shows are fun to shoot because the weather is great…it’s the show in February that are a challenge–it is freezing and the great outfits are hidden by big overcoats!
How many hours do you log a day during fashion week?Too many.
Who are your photography/artistic icons? Brazilian artist assume vivid astro focus—the crazy colors and whimsical designs give off a great energy. I am also obsessed with graffiti art.
What magazines do you look forward to reading most? Elle and Fast Company (I know-so random!)
If you could have any job in the industry, what would you do? My dream job would be to travel around the world snapping pictures and taking notes on cool trends—restaurants, stores, styles, art, gadgets, architecture, etc.
What’s your secret to surviving fashion week in one piece? Knowing when it is time to go home.
After shooting NYC fashion week, what’s next for you? I am going to Berlin—can’t wait to check out the scene there…