I canceled my plans tonight. Had some dinner. Just sitting down to relax after work. I wanted to share a memorable moment in my life that I experienced not too long ago.  It started with a conversation at a party.  Paul Zhen, a local photographer, approached me with his happy asian eyes and a polite southern handshake and asked if i would be interested in working together.  Of course I agreed.

I got the inspiration for this  photoshoot  at Manuel’s 81st  birthday celebration in the stage area at the back. A red carpet entrance led you to festivities. chandeliers and gigantic mirrors. lavish upholstery, exclusive  club seating upstairs. The party was a blast. Very Hot. People were dancin and sweatin!  Lots of nice people and colorful clothes, mostly pieces that Manuel had made himself.  The man is inspiring.The next thing I am thinking is  what a classy joint. This is where the wave is. “This is a scene from the gentlemen’s  club of permanent fashion.”

The next stitch sewn came about when I met with Josh, the owner of the Standard, for drink and a discussion of men’s fashion, Nashville style, and personal taste.  We discussed the possibility of getting some shots made for promotional purposes. The seed had been sewn.

We met on a Wednesday morning in the heat of the summer with some smokin hot models male AND female. The first scene we shot upstairs in the executive office.  I was most pleased with this setting. We tested out several other spots and found the swankiest area was the downstairs bar (also pictured).  My models looked very dope and dapperL Really what Eric Adler is as a brand..debonair meets streetwear.

Overall.  It was a fun creative experience. Linked up with some new people. Good company, good clothes, good times.  Shot a lot of quality shots. Impeccable quality location.  The Standard at the Smith House. Fine dining to the max. We posted up in several locations. The bar downstairs, the office on the top floor and the extremely cozy cigar bar. My favorite shot from the shoot.

As always I have to thank the people that make things happen. Ive already paid homage to Manuel so next in line is the photographer, Paul Zhen. You can see what kind of quality standards he upholds. He approached me at fashion week interested in doing a shoot. I was thrilled to find out that this was his first time shooting male subjects. Viva men’s fashion!  Needless to say, I had a lovely time working with him and thanks for making it happen.  Thanks to Tray Simmons and his people at Bravo Modeling Agency and Rachael Sue for keeping my head on straight.  Thanks also to Josh from the Standard for letting us take over his swanky establishment.

On to the next adventure, to make a replica of this jacket that George Strait wore to the CMA Awards in 2013 for a Minnesotan and his two boys (age 3 and 8 months) I fell in love with the challenge!

Until next time, PEACE and LOVE.