Newport

Sam Edelman Fall/Winter 2019 Part 1 by Nicholas Mele

I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.
— Oprah

My first billboard on La Cienega and Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood

Its rare that I find a brand that aligns with my own creative style and sensibilities as well as Sam Edelman. The brand has an “irreverent and whimsical style, inspired by timeless American elegance that bridges the gap between aspiration and attainability to define modern luxury.” That’s very similar to how I would describe myself. I feel very lucky that we found each other. Not only is Sam an amazing brand that I am honored to be associated with, but the confidence they have shown in my abilities has really allowed me to explore commercial photography in ways I never thought I’d get the chance to. Their desire to have me lean into my own photographic instincts has really pushed me to grow artistically. We tried to capture something that was at the same time effortless, elegant and timeless. I am super proud of this campaign and I hope you’ll look out for it on billboards, magazines, taxi cabs and, of course, your local Sam Edelman store.

Vogue - Newport Preservation by Nicholas Mele

Life is a party. Dress for it.
— Audrey Hepburn
Click on the picture above to read the full article

Click on the picture above to read the full article

I’m always thrilled to contribute to Vogue’s party coverage, especially when it comes to events in Newport. There is a classic elegance to the parties there, especially when they are hosted at one of the town’s historic mansions on Bellevue Avenue. As someone who grew up coming to Newport every summer, I am in the unique position to both be an observer and a participant in these grand events. I think it allows me to have an insider’s viewpoint that not many others can achieve and it certainly helps me put my subjects at ease. Another side effect (and I’ll let you guys decide if its positive or negative) is I am often included in my own coverage. Luckily, I know how to dress the part.

Town & Country, Entertaining by Nicholas Mele

Newport is a town that refuses to forget its history
— Me ;)
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I teamed up with the fabulous Bettie Pardee of Private Newport again; this time to write a story for Town & Country.  Even better, the story was about me.  My favorite subject.  Kidding.  Kind of....  Anyway, much like with @A.Social.Life, my family and I put ourselves center stage to show off our lives, celebrate our history and talk about how we like to entertain.  Click here to read the full story.

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Salve Photo Exhibit by Nicholas Mele

You don’t take a photo, you make it.
— Ansel Adams

So honored to be asked by Salve Regina University to exhibit my Newport portrait series along with the talented (and philanthropic) Elizabeth Kahane!  It was a great event, a great turnout and a very fun experience overall.  Best of all, the Newport Art Museum took one of my pieces to put in their permanent collection.  How cool!  

Looking back, I'm second guessing the bow tie...

Looking back, I'm second guessing the bow tie...

My portrait of the late, great Betty "Boop" Blake is now in the permanent collection at the Newport Art Museum

My portrait of the late, great Betty "Boop" Blake is now in the permanent collection at the Newport Art Museum

Private Newport by Nicholas Mele

Life is a theater, unfortunately everyone doesn’t know how to act
— My grandmother, Oatsie Charles
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Bettie Pardee is the author of Private Newport and Living Newport, a garden furniture designer, national lecturer, and entertaining expert.  She's also a pretty cool lady and a good friend so I was so pleased when she asked me to write a blog post for her about my photos and how they relate to my love for Newport.  I won't repost the whole thing here, just go check it out on her site:

Private Newport

The New York Times by Nicholas Mele

I am spoiled, it’s true. I don’t even know how to use that thing in the kitchen with the burners.
— Cindy Margolis

This past Sunday, July 19th The New York Times had a one page article in its Sunday style mag - T Magazine - about me.  All about me!  Ok, that's a lie.  But it did prominently feature my photo series on kitchens in Newport, RI.  The general gist of the photos (and I presume the article - I only looked at my pictures) is that the grand houses in Newport still contain kitchens that haven't been renovated for modern use.  They are functional.  They are used to cook food for house guests, not to show off.  Its interesting.  Trust me.  Go check it out at:  T Summer Entertainment Issueissuu.com  or just look below (I make this too easy for you)

T Magazine, July 19th 2015

T Magazine, July 19th, pg. 23.  Hey, 23 is my lucky number!  What a coink-e-dink....

Below are the images on their own.  They are just four from a much larger series that I did with the wonderful interior designer Ruthie Sommers (Check her out - she's awesome).  Hopefully we will find somewhere to print the whole thing.  I'll keep you posted.

Beachwood

Beaulieu

The Whim

Glamourpuss Fall 2014 by Nicholas Mele

I love fashion, beauty, glamour. It’s the mark of civilization.
— David LaChapelle

Check out Glamourpuss' Fall and Winter collections for 2014, shot by moi (that means me), up now on their website, www.glamourpussnyc.com.  I love their stuff and, as always, its a pleasure to work with them.  

Model: Zuza Buchwald   Hair and Makeup: Ali Lomazzo

Model: Zuza Buchwald   Hair and Makeup: Ali Lomazzo

Boys And Girls Club by Nicholas Mele

Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.
— Theodore Roosevelt

From my series "Young Americans"

In August, I teamed with the Boys and Girls Club of Newport, RI to do a series of large scale portraits of some of their kids.  The images were printed 30"x40" and put on display during their 35th annual charity gala and auction at Rosecliff Mansion.  It was a pleasure to help out with such a great cause and I was thrilled with the results. 

On display at Rosecliff

Quest Magazine by Nicholas Mele

Deep Summer is where laziness finds respectability
— Sam Keen
The Dana Family at The Newport Shipyard

The Dana Family at The Newport Shipyard

My cover story for Quest Magazine, on stands now.    Newport has long been a focus of my photography and I'm glad to finally have some of my favorite shots published.  In many ways, the town is the last surviving bastion of old money style and manners.  Check it out online here:

Quest Magazine July 2014

Quote Magazine by Nicholas Mele

There’s only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people’s cultures and the Dutch.
— Nigel Powers, Austin Powers in Goldmember
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To all of my Dutch fans out there (don't all chime in at once now), check out this issue of Quote Magazine (by the lovely Hearst Corporation of The Netherlands) for my pictures of Pieter Taselaar and family.  I have no idea what the article says, but I'm sure it's lovely...

New York Social Diary by Nicholas Mele

Never speak disrespectful of Society, Algernon. Only people who can’t get into it do that.
— Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

For the second year in a row, Sam Bolton and I have done a story for David Patrick Columbia's New York Social Diary showcasing some of Newport, Rhode Island's local elite (I hate that word).  Check it out: http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1909997