Lifestyle

Reimagining Couture with Conscience: Danny Lairon’s Upcycled Fashion Photography

Published

5 months ago

December 3, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo Credit: Danny Lairon

Byline: Katreen David

The moment Danny Lairon clicks his camera, something unique happens. On bustling New York streets, amid Parisian landmarks, or in hidden villages in Mexico, Lairon is capturing a movement. His lens highlights a future of fashion rooted in sustainability and upcycling, a refreshing contrast to the industry’s typical narrative of rapid consumption. “When I shoot, I don’t just want to showcase beauty; I want to show possibility,” Lairon shares.

At a time when sustainability is on consumers’ minds, Lairon’s artistry offers a new vision for high fashion that is intentional and deeply aware of its impact.

Rethinking Fashion Photography: Sustainability at the Core

Danny Lairon’s career journey is as unconventional as his work. Leaving the glamour typically associated with fashion photography, he leans into a practical, eco-conscious aesthetic, emphasizing materials that have lived a prior life. His shoots are populated with garments crafted from repurposed fabrics, sourced from both local artisans and emerging designers. His work with designer Smaranika Sarangi, whose upcycled creations give discarded textiles a new identity, testifies to this philosophy.

“Sustainability isn’t a trend,” he insists. “It’s the future of this industry, or at least it should be.” Known for using vertical shooting, drones, and mixed media, he caters to digital consumption with formats designed to capture attention on mobile screens and social platforms, where sustainability narratives often find their most eager audiences.

Naturally, Danny Lairon’s choices are not without resistance in an industry that can adapt slowly. Traditional photographers and fashion veterans may balk at the more casual, tech-infused style of vertical photography or using RGB lights to create vibrant, unconventional compositions. But Lairon sees these tools as essential to his mission, offering fresh perspectives that communicate his message of sustainability.

Beyond Photography: Building a Community for Change

While his photography serves as the visual backbone of his message, Danny Lairon’s work does not stop at the camera. He has a talent for building connections and empowering designers from diverse cultural backgrounds, helping their voices reach audiences that may otherwise overlook them. Through collaborations with brands and designers across different cultural landscapes, like Latina designer Raphaella, he emphasizes cultural preservation and environmental consciousness.

Many clients approach Danny Lairon for his photography but leave with so much more. “Brands come in wanting photos; they walk away with a story,” he notes. His use of mixed media, particularly short-form content for social media, allows him to create engaging narratives that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether he is shooting Instagram Reels or creating vibrant short films, Lairon tailors his storytelling to meet the demands of the digital age.

Crafting a Future of Upcycled Couture

As Danny Lairon takes on the volatile world of fashion photography, his focus on sustainability remains unchanging. “The fashion industry is responsible to future generations,” he says. “By embracing upcycling and supporting diverse designers, we can create one that values creativity, heritage, and the environment.”

Danny Lairon’s images are a reminder that in fashion, as in life, everything discarded has the potential to be reborn into something extraordinary. As he continues reimagining couture through his conscientious lens, Lairon invites individuals to look beyond aesthetics and consider sustainable fashion’s powerful, lasting impact.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

6 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.