2011 Fashion

years ago, my best friend from college observed that i used my camera (then, a wonderful new nikon slr, from mom) as a way to distance myself from people--avoid particular conversations or situations. it was definitely true that day (we were attending the wedding of a former college roommate and i'd been out of touch with all "the girls" for a few years. i was happy to be there, but nervous). it's probably been true a number of times since.

but lately i seem to have more conversations because of the camera--people will want to ask about it, and me. and it makes me a little bolder with people, especially people who i find interesting to photograph.

and when i'm in museums or stores (where the goods are particularly precious), i've been direct about asking permission--better sometimes to hear the "no" than to leave a bad taste.

***
my favorite antique shop in san telmo is elsa lionti-norberto sanchez at defensa 1170 in the galeria "la candelaria." my "trigger" finger was itching to click away before i even made it all the way inside the place. i was almost sure i wouldn't be allowed to shoot in there, but there was also no sneaking around. the place was small, and packed to the antique chandeliers-- and the girl behind the counter looked too sweet to consider even possibly offending... so i asked if it was ok take some photos. she gave me the nod and a yes.

and then we had a nice long chat about things, including the store: her parents are the owners, and they were famous dancers--the "fred and ginger" of argentina. (i'm pretty sure that's what she said! and it does say "fred y ginger" under their names on the card she gave me...)

que cute, no?

i took this for my sister...she likes groovy old bottles...

senorita jazmin (que linda!)...she let me take her photo, too. but she wanted to be "at work"

i offered her the chance to see them, to approve; she said no, just send them, as a surprise.
i hope she'll like them.

all photos © anita aguilar

it seems that there are a lot of fairs and markets in BA--the biggest and most famous happens in san telmo on sundays.

z and i discussed how to attack the fair situation, since there was also another one in recoleta that we wanted to visit. i proposed visiting san telmo early in the week, to check out the scene (since it seemed there was a smaller version of it held every other day of the week) and if it was really worthwhile, we'd return on sunday, but if not, we'd be free to check out others.

and so...day 2...

san telmo was quiet and pretty--not the chaotic, borderline "dangerous" scene they describe sundays to be--and all the stores were open for business. calle defensa seems to be the heart of things.

i was pleasantly surprised to find that san telmo wasn't exclusively devoted to antiques. there's a nice blend of funky/cool and refined, with a range of price points...there are small designer boutiques--mostly argentinian, not many international brands--and indie/eco design stores.

at galeria la candelaria:

i'm not in the market for any antiques. though, i have a particular weakness for vintage movie posters, and my walls really could use something...anyway, found many to admire (at a cute little store, owned by elsa lionti and norberto sanchez, which will merit a separate post)...

further down on calle defensa, behind a door frame so unassuming i almost missed it, is the mercado municipal, an indoor food market that dates back to the 1890s. it's one of the few of its kind left in BA. during the hour i was there, many stalls were closed, but i hope you get the idea...