Stylist: Annette Lamothe-Ramos
Photo Assistant: Jimmy Jolliff
Introduction by Ryan GrimA high school friend of mine used to live in the Syrian Jewish neighbourhood of Gravesend, Brooklyn, down near Coney Island. He described it as an insular, conservative and somewhat bizarre ethnic enclave that included many opulent houses.As we were putting together this issue, we realised that coordinating a fashion shoot inside Syria would void our insurance. So I got back in touch with my old friend and asked whether he knew of any families who might be willing to be photographed and possibly interviewed. I stressed that it would be a respectful, straightforward fashion spread and he was kind enough to put out some feelers.
Jack, Mari, Linda and Etsik at their dining-room table, which is covered in plastic. “Thank God we’re here, and not there,” said Mari about the uprising in Syria.Vintage vest, Diesel sweater and jeans, Louis Vuitton belt, New Era hat; vintage top; Joie shirt, Blank NYC pants, vintage bracelet; Hanes T-shirt, Nike shorts, New Era hat
Jack, while not a particular fan of any one sports team, nevertheless has lots of hats to go with any outfit. New Era hats
Jack, sitting in his room, never plans to visit Syria. “If you’re Jewish? No way. You’re visiting a life sentence,” he said.Diesel Black Gold jacket, Diesel T-shirt, Ralph Lauren Black Label pants, Nike sneakers, New Era hat
Linda poses next to the family TV, which played Arabic programing throughout the entire shoot. Joie shirt, Blank NYC pants, Christian Louboutin shoes, vintage bracelets, Michele watch
Jack admits his Arabic is “atrocious” and that he has no plans to pass it down to his children.Diesel sweater and jeans, Louis Vuitton belt, Gucci shoes
Mari offers the starving photo crew some flatbread pizza, which seemed slightly more Italian than Syrian but whatever. Vintage shirt and pants
A hamsa, a Middle Eastern symbol used to defend against the evil eye, hangs on Jack’s wall.
Linda sits on the marble coffee table in the living room, which is sparsely decorated except for the family hookah.Joie shirt, Blank NYC pants, vintage bracelets, Michele watch