Wine Tasting and Book Signing with Nigel Barker from ‘Top Model’


Fashion photographer Nigel Barker, best known for his time as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, visited DCanter on Saturday Feb. 28 for a book signing and wine tasting.

Nigel Barker is a fashion photographer whose images have been printed in many major magazines. The event was in honor of his newly released, Models of Influence. The book profiles 50 of the world’s most inspiring models from the 1940’s to today through 200 full-color photographs by esteemed photographers.

Barker celebrates icons such as 50’s pin-up Dorian Leigh, 60’s spirit Twiggy, the revolutionary Iman, supermodel Naomi Campbell and today’s leading ladies Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls, among others.

After twenty years in the business, he says that working with many extraordinary models inspired him to write this book.

”Every one of this women helped change everyone’s opinion on what was possible of beauty,” Barker said,

He mentions how Alek Wek had a different appearance compared to what the fashion industry was used to. Now people who look like her can be showcased in a way that wasn’t possible before.

”The book is full of that, models who were trailblazers and pioneers. They were the first,” he continues.

Barker explains that during 1969 (when women were still heavily stereotyped by 1950s perceptions), a model like Twiggy changed the sophisticated look of the woman. People realized that the woman was an individual, which at the time was revolutionary.

He said he chose the 50 models highlighted in his book based on the way the women helped changed people’s opinions about definitions of beauty.

The three wines at the event came from Milan, Paris and New York—places considered by many to be the fashion capitals of the world.

Owners of DCanter Michael and Michelle Warner launched the boutique in 2013 with a goal of providing a wine and beer experience unlike any other.

”Opening this boutique is something we’ve always wanted,” said Michael Warner. ”Now we are offering many wines, for some of them we are the only outlet retailers.”

Although DCanter has only been open a year and a half year, the wine boutique has many returning customers in the neighborhood.

The wines featured at the event came from wineries that have some sort of commitment to art and fashion, like Brooklyn Oenology, which has different local artist create a unique piece of art for each bottle’s label.

The Capitol Hill boutique offers products and services that encourage customers to experience and discover unique artisanal wines and craft beers in a chic, inviting environment.

”We want to help our customers remember the moments,” he said. ”In most cases you don’t remember a specific wine — you remember the experience.

DCanter is located at 545 8th St. SE Washington, DC 20003. Phone: 202.817.3803. Website: www.DCanterWines.com.

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