Shoes

Sam Edelman Spring/Summer 2020 by Nicholas Mele

One shoe can change your life
— Cinderella
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I got bring Sam Edelman back to my stomping grounds of Palm Beach for the Spring/Summer campaign and this time they decided to make things interesting for me by adding a second model. It always becomes a little bit harder with each extra person you add to a shoot because you’re not only worried about how they are each interacting with their environment but also with each other. But on the other side, it allows you to move faster because you can shoot one girl individually while the other gets ready. I found on big campaigns like this, it helps to construct a story in you head, much like an actor preparing for a role.

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Sam Edelman Fall/Winter 2019 Part 2 by Nicholas Mele

Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.
— Marilyn Monroe
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I can’t tell you how much I love this brand and everyone who works there! In a short amount of time they’ve made me feel like a part of the family and I really think its help me do my best work. What do you think? For part 2 of the Fall campaign, we headed to the Catskills in upstate New York. I can’t say I ever thought i’d make it out there (and I’m not sure if I need to go back), but it certainly made for a fun shoot. There is nothing better than exploring a cool location and seeing what kind of crazy ideas you can come up with. It also helps when you have awesome props, great clothes and a gorgeous model.

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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.