New York’s nightlife, known for its vivacious energy and pulsating rhythm, has found its biographer. Nadja Sayej, an eminent photographer and journalist, has given a new voice to the city’s galas, soirees, and bashes. Through her upcoming book, “The Glitzerati,” she captures the essence of New York City’s cultural class with a stunning collection of party photos from 2018 to 2023.
The book is a black-and-white photo album featuring over 200 shots of celebrities, art stars, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts. It’s an ode to the elegance and pizzazz of today’s “roaring twenties.” A bold celebration of a lifestyle where fashion, culture, music, and film converge, it provides an intimate glimpse into events, with a breezy style that immortalizes New York’s elite, up close and personal.
Sayej’s unique photo style, characterized by spontaneity and a paparazzi-like freshness, captures pop culture in its raw, authentic form. Amid the fake filters and staged photo shoots of the Instagram era, “The Glitzerati” presents a stark contrast, offering unfiltered glimpses into the glamor behind the scenes.
Her subjects span from Cardi B to Diane Keaton, Bruce Willis to Debbie Harry. Yet, the book is not merely a compilation of celebrity snapshots. It tells a story with each photo, accompanied by punchy captions. As Sayej herself reveals, “The best part of living in New York City is attending the parties. I wanted to share the juicy story behind each photo in the book so that readers can be transported back to that magical moment.”
Particular highlights include an up-close capture of Cardi B at Paris Couture Week, an intimate shot of Marina Abramovic at an art gala in Brooklyn, and a candid image of 1990s supermodel Christy Turlington at a boutique party.
This is not Sayej’s first venture into the world of books. She has previously published five, one of them being a photo book. As a culture journalist with over 15 years of experience, she has been a contributing writer for The New York Times, The Guardian, Barron’s Magazine, and Forbes fashion section. Her candid celebrity interviews and pop culture writings have graced the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, Interview Magazine, and Vanity Fair London.
“The Glitzerati” is not just a testament to Nadja Sayej’s eye for capturing the zeitgeist of the party scene in New York. It is also a reflection of her dedication to keeping the narrative of these events alive. In a world increasingly fascinated by digital images, Sayej redefines the allure of printed photographs, making “The Glitzerati” a manifesto of pop culture and a compelling account of New York’s high society.
