Former "America's Next Top Model" host Nigel Barker is coming to Miami to talk about fashion and premiere his latest photo exhibition “RAW" at Village of Merrick Park.
The exhibition features photos of celebrities, acquaintances and people he randomly met in the street.
“It was the authenticity, the raw emotion,” Barker said, describing his photography. “It’s that moment of heart and soul- those are the pictures you remember, the classics.”
The event will donate 10 percent of all sales to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, a cause close to Barker’s heart after losing a friend from the Make a Wish Foundation to brain cancer.
“Every opportunity to give back is important,” Barker said. “What can be better than to work and give back simultaneously?”
Barker said in addition to work, he is looking forward to coming to Miami, the place where he met his wife and the first place he visited in America.
“It’s a lot of fun, I love Miami,” Barker said. “It’s a very special place. We go back to Miami a lot.”
And in terms of the diversity in Miami, Barker said he hopes to be one of the pioneers that opens and gives opportunities to bicultural models and photographers in the industry.
“The fashion business is slowly picking up on minorities,” Barker said. “It’s changing and your beginning to see a few more.”
Baker said the fashion industry usually asks for models of specific ethnicities for photo shoots, but there are model of mixed ethnicities who don't fit into categories.
He expects a growing numbers of Chinese, Indian and mixed ethnicity models, influenced by the use of the Internet and demanded by the modern audiences.
But in terms of Latinas, Barker said they are sexy, edgy and flirtatious.
“There are loads of Latin models some of the most successful are South American Latinos,” Barker said.
Barker will be in town for the two-day “In the Now” event that will feature fashion shows at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. There will also be a meet-and greet with Barker for shoppers who spent $150 or more during the weekend event.
Here are the events open to the public:
May 4 from Noon-5 p.m.
12 p.m.– Nordstrom fashion show; seating is based on first-come basis
12:30 p.m. – SAWA Restaurant and Lounge tasting and entertainment
2 p.m.– Q&A with Nigel Barker on beauty and fashion trends
3 p.m. – Meet and greet with Nigel Barker exclusively for shoppers who spent $150 or more during the weekend event (receipt with purchases required)
4 p.m. – Neiman Marcus fashion show; seating is based on first-come
