@the_line_upâs Spirited Style Tribe
To see more photos and videos that celebrate the vibrant youth culture of New York City, follow by @the_line_up on Instagram.
The fashion stylist Anka Itskovich (@the_line_up), a fashion stylist, doesnât seek out people to photograph. She simply walks around New York City. âItâs often a flash of color or a unique hairstyle or even an aura of self- confidence that catches my eye,â she says. âMy images celebrate spirited people and their authentic personal style. I hope the narrative of The Line Up will help create an engaged and interactive communityâa style tribe.â
The project began long before Instagram. âAs a longtime resident of the East Village, Iâve documented the neighborhoodâs counter culture spirit since the late â90s but the project only came into focus on Instagram,â Anka says. âThe square format is perfect for portraiture, and the fluidity of digital technology has made it so much easier to capture the authentically-cool feel of downtown street style and share it with curious, like-minded people all over the world.â
Ankaâs process is very simple. âI suppose that itâs my open and non-threatening nature that lets me approachâand have a conversation withâjust about anyone,â she says. âI have a very low rate of rejectionâabout 99 percent of people that I ask for a portrait say yes. I shoot with my iPhone. New York Cityâs colorful, graffitied walls are always a perfect background. All it takes is a few moments and a few frames. Listing the personâs Instagram handle is an important part of the project. It is the key to building a connected style tribe!â
The project has been personally rewarding for Anka. âWith @the_line_up I have found my own creative voice. I have found my independence as an artist. I have found my bliss.â