For my photo essay, I plan to showcase the life and work of an interesting character named Flavio Bessah. The former NYC stylist and designer originally from Brazil has recently opened a vintage consignment store, Flash 16 Botik, on Ditmars in Astoria, Queens after the closure of his original business, Flash 16, due to the pandemic. His eccentric little store showcases his own collection of vintage clothing, as well as interesting curated and sourced items replenished on a weekly basis. After speaking with him and being a customer of this small business, the store is clearly a reflection of himself and his taste as an artist which drew me to this idea.
He is known for his collection of designer pieces and one of a kind items for the home. I find his store very visually appealing. It can be best described as an “organized mess” where everything is scattered but the items can be navigated easily by brand, style or product. This overall messy but strategic look to the space can make for great composition throughout the project.
Flavio forms long term relationships with his customers and has many artists and fashion enthusiasts alike checking the store often for new arrivals. This aspect will allow for a more interesting story, as he is very open to speaking to others about anything at any time.
Overall, I believe choosing Flavio for my photo essay will make for very interesting photos while following his day, in addition to the engaging content that will accompany the visual component.