Portfolio

An Evening in Shangri-La


Russell James’ self-titled photography book launch party was held in conjunction with the grand re-opening of the historic Shangri-La Hotel in Santa Monica on a recent Thursday night. James’ work with Victoria’s Secret, Sports Illustrated, W, and Vogue, to name only a few, has sealed his spot as one of the world’s top fashion photographers. The book is a retrospective of his work as a photographer. It includes the natural elements of air, sun, earth, and water as well as nudes, and portraiture.

“There’s also a section on the Nomad project that I’ve been working on for the past 6 years. I traveled to remote, hauntingly beautiful regions of Australia, where I had the privilege of being guided by indigenous people to sacred – often restricted – local places of aboriginal significance. I photographed these places and then collaborated with indigenous artists who hand embellished the photos.”

I attended the affair with photographer Stacy Keck and almost immediately after arriving we met up with Shangri-La’s Assistant General Manager, Matt Shough, who graciously offered to take us on a tour of the Art Deco hotel.

“It was a $30 million renovation and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” he shared.

Standing inside the suites, you have the feeling that you’re at a friend’s beach bungalow, not a hotel. Los Angeles-based designer Marc Smith is responsible for the comfortable interiors; Interiors that include soaking tubs set on pedestals in the master bedrooms and 1950′s style living/dining areas. Our tour ended on the hotel’s rooftop deck which provides views of the Santa Monica pier and beyond, all the way up towards Malibu and the Pacific Palisades.

While taking in the evening’s sunset I spoke with interior designer, Peggy Braswell, who was charged with designing and making all of the furniture in the hotel’s exclusive Suite 700 rooftop bar and lounge,

“I also did the interiors and furniture for the Rock & Roll Suite and the soon to be opened Presidental Suite.”

Following the tour we made our way down to the party where giant picture boards displaying James’ classic photos were arranged throughout the courtyard and around the pool. Amber light emanated from black and champagne-colored chandeliers that hung under stark white cabanas, where guests nibbled on tuna tartare hors d’œuvre and sipped Patron and champagne-based summertime cocktails.

James, who hosted VH1′s The Shot, took a moment out from talking with Kristin Davis to pose for a photo. Davis, who appears in the book, looked stunning in a black-beaded flower necklace and spoke with James as he signed copies of his self-titled book.

“It’s really special for me to debut my book here in Los Angeles and get to show some of my work among so many friends. I feel honored that many of the subjects of my photography came out to support me. The new Shangri La Hotel is lovely and the folks over at Heal the Bay continue to inspire me by all their hard work and passion. I was very lucky to be able to partner with them for this event.”

Later in the evening, Amber Valetta spoke with James under the courtyard’s trees, keeping a low profile in a floppy summer hat and casual bohemian summer dress. The evening’s host, Angela Lindvall, held court on the main deck near the pool, speaking with a group of friends, including actor and lead singer of Young Whiskey, Mark Wystrach.

“I’m here with Angela but I’m also working on a shoe company, The People’s Shoe. We’ve teamed up with the Los Angeles Mission to put on the Just For Kicks charity event next Saturday to help out the people down there.”

That wasn’t the only charity being discussed this particular evening. Santa Monica’s Heal the Bay organization partnered with the hotel and James to put on the night’s silent auction. According to Natalie Burdick, Constituent Development Manager for Heal the Bay,

“Hotel Shangri-La was sensitive to incorporating sustainable aspects in the renovation of their hotel and so they reached out to Heal The Bay. With Russell’s book focusing on models at the ocean, it just seemed a natural fit.”

As we stood watching silver reflecting balls drift about the pool, a lively group of men approached and joked with Keck,

“You don’t know who this is?! It’s Tom Everhart here, you better snap a picture!”

Everhart (pictured middle), whose work has been featured in The Louvre, was then arranged into a reluctant pose by his less camera shy comrades.

While making our way out for the evening we bumped into Matt Grant, of ABC’s The Bachelor notoriety, who playfully turned the camera on us to what I must admit (sorry, Matt) are very blurry results.

THE DETAILS:
Shangri-La Hotel
1301 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Book Art courtesy Te Neues Publishing.

FULL PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENING