community
Meet James Emmerman’s Children of The Dance Floor
James Emmerman. All Clothing and Accessories by Emporio Armani.
“Everything in New York is a celebration,” says the photographer James Emmerman of their latest portrait series; “There’s something here that really sparks creativity.” For the New York-based photographer, that celebration first arrived in the form of the city’s nightlife culture—more specifically its queer nightlife culture—which they discovered as a teenager visiting from Boston. “That environment,” they say, “Is what community is to me today.” It didn’t take long for the city’s party scene, and its inhabitants, to become the central pillar of Emmerman’s photography work, which has been focused recently on portraiture that honors the strength and sensitivity of its subjects.
To celebrate that spirit of shared revelry and creativity, Emmerman shared a slice of their community with us—capturing a few friends and muses styled head-to-toe in Emporio Armani. “I always want my work to represent the future that we want to see in our world,” Emmerman says of the project. Indeed, the photographs in question are an intimate homage to the connections that blossom after hours in New York City’s eclectic underbelly. Here, learn more about Emmerman’s band of New York creatives and children of the dance floor.
———
Jonah Rollins, 25, Roccstarr
Aries
Where do you live and where are you from originally?
The crib is in Chelsea and I’m from New York.
What is your favorite thing about NYC nightlife?
The looks… It’s different from anywhere else. People in NYC really turn it harder than any other city.
What is your drink order when you’re out?
Aperol Spritz bitch.
———
Kouros Maghsoudi, 26, Furniture Designer
Pisces
Where do you live and where are you from originally?
I live in the Lower East Side and I’m from the suburbs of Chicago.
Why is your community important to you?
The physical neighborhood I live in plays a huge role in my sense of community. I’ve lived in Chinatown/Two Bridges/Lower East Side for the past five years, and during that time, I’ve built relationships in the 20-square blocks with just about everyone. Having a sense of belonging and familiarity in your neighborhood is essential to surviving the vastness of the NYC universe.
What is your drink order when you’re out?
Either an espresso martini or vodka martini with a twist.
———
Megumi, 22, Model, Bartender, and Event Planner
Virgo
Where do you live and where are you from originally?
A small town called Wichita, Kansas.
What is your definition of community?
It’s a place where you feel safe and free to be yourself. It makes us feel like we’re not alone in our struggles and doubts.
What is your drink order when you’re out?
I LUV mojitos and espresso martinis, but depending on the night I might just go for tequila shots 😉
———
Zaina Miuccia 18 (lol), Student/Actress
Aries
Where do you live and where are you from originally?
I just moved from London to New York City. I’m Nigerian from Lagos.
What is your favorite thing about NYC nightlife?
…Absolutely everything. The headlessness and outrageousness of it all.
What is your drink order when you’re out?
Negroni. Every single time. For this summer at least.
———
Eyal Chowers, 26, Graphic Designer
Virgo
Where do you live and where are you from originally?
Ridgewood Queens-based, born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What is your definition of community?
Those that inspire me, teach me and keep me in check, but also there to hype me up when I’m giving. As citizens of the world coming to New York we get to form and craft our communities, and without mine, I honestly don’t think that I’ll survive this spiral of a city.
What is your drink order when you’re out?
Negroni when she’s fancy, Tequila soda when she’s broke :}
———
Shenghao Li, Accessory Designer
Aquarius
Where do you live and where are you from originally?
I live in New York and I am originally from China.
Why is your community important to you?
They are my inspiration, my support system, and constantly challenge and redefine my view of the world. With my brand, my own identity has evolved as I’ve learned more about my community.
What is your drink order when you’re out?
I love a refreshing mate.
———
———
Hair: Sean Bennett @uhmmwhat
Set design: Nat Hoffman at Born Artists
Makeup Artist: Ayaka Nihei
Production: Paige Vit at Born Artists
Photo Assistants: John Novotny and Patricia Voulgaris
Fashion Assistants: Mabel Nugent and Shaoul Avital
