New York native Nicole Sereda, has an eye for style and a lust for life. The 22 year-old visionary has tried her hand at many things ranging from fashion design to photography. She has become an internet icon and a role model for young girls especially during the Myspace era, where she reached the peak of her popularity amongst young people. Even in the midst of many creative projects, Sereda found time to give Sex & Fashion the inside scoop on her other upcoming projects, as well as discuss her published book of photography, Real people, Real Feelings… Plus share some other sexy photos she’s snapped along the way on her journey to the top.
Rachel Schwartzmann: When, why and how you did you first take up photography?
Nicole Sereda: I’d say I started getting more serious about it in ninth-tenth grade of my High School years. My high school sweetheart was really into it which definitely had its influence on me. We shot with film and would develop it ourselves back then. My love for it just grew and in twelfth grade I bought my Canon digital SLR camera and wouldn’t be seen without it. Go figure, now I’m back to where I started when I was seven years old with a $10 disposable camera…
Rachel Schwartzmann: What was your inspiration for the concept of “Real People, Real Feelings?” What does it mean to you?
Nicole Sereda: I grew up in a small town. I always saw my friends as the most beautiful people ever, inside and out. They were just real. I had amazing relationships that just inspired me more than anything ever could. Love, youth, real emotions.. that was it. Pure and simple. There’s no way to go back to those times again. When you’re 17 life is so simple and carefree… I just wanted to capture it all and savor it forever.
Rachel Schwartzmann: What is your favorite photo that you shot in the book? Why? Any plans for volume two?
Nicole Sereda: Each photo has such a different story… It’s really hard to answer that one. No plans for a volume two as of right now, maybe in a year or two. I’m much more set on and excited to put together the road/thrifting trip book this year!
Rachel Schwartzmann: What aspect of photography inspires you the most? Do you intend to stick to fashion photography or branch out in other genres of it?
Nicole Sereda: I love fashion photography, but I just don’t have the time to focus all my energy on that unless it was my actual job. I just like to document everything in photographs. The core of what makes up any photo I post is the emotion and definitely style/clothes. I just try to tell a story with every photo I take, and hope that someone can take something positive from it.
Rachel Schwartzmann: What are your upcoming projects?
Nicole Sereda: Right now my main focus is working on Chelsea Hotel, 1977. My dude Greg and I started the project in February with a four hour distance between us, and still managed to get so much done in such a short amount of time. We started with just one design that’s up for sale right now and just finished the next four final designs that we will be photo shooting and releasing next month! We have a vintage closet up right now where we both have been thrifting vintage tee’s as well as pulling a few of our own from our closets and updating that weekly. A side project from this project is going to be a book we put together this summer. We’re planning out a road trip/thrift tour where we’ll be documenting the whole thing in photographs. It will be a mix between a thrifting guide book, scrap book, and just a source of inspiration. I’m really excited for that! It’s been a while since I’ve been truly inspired, but I have zero doubt that this trip will be changing that for sure.
Rachel Schwartzmann: Do you think fashion has become sexualized over the years?
Nicole Sereda: Fashion is all about confidence. Sex is all about confidence. I’d say fashion has always been strongly influenced by sex. Sex sells and fashion is all about making the $$$. They go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly.. minus the carbs.
Rachel Schwartzmann: On an end note, what are your thoughts individually on sex, fashion and photography? Do they go coincide?
Nicole Sereda: Well, to be blunt- I love all three. Yet, each one I am extremely meticulous about. I think all three compliment each other in all the right ways. And quite frankly, life would be pretty boring without them.
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