Celebrated photographer and culture journalist Nadja Sayej takes readers behind the velvet ropes of New York City’s most vibrant soirees, galas, and events in her newest book, “The Glitzerati.” Published on September 28, 2023, the book immerses its audience in a whirlwind of black-and-white glamor, documenting NYC’s social scene from 2018 to 2023.
“The Glitzerati” comprises over 200 candid shots of celebrities, art icons, fashion trendsetters, and influential figures, capturing a striking panorama of the city’s cultural class. With every red-carpet gala and dinner party, Sayej presents an authentic snapshot of the city’s contemporary “roaring twenties.”
The book transcends the realms of fashion, culture, music, and film, stringing together some of the most mesmerizing moments from a myriad of events. In contrast to the curated world of Instagram, the pages of this book feature spontaneous and paparazzi-like images, bringing to life an honest portrayal of pop culture.
This candid approach to photography brings under the spotlight such personalities as Cardi B, Diane Keaton, Offset, Philip Plein, Bruce Willis, Debbie Harry, and more. Beyond the stunning images, “The Glitzerati” is also a tribute to the legacy of female gaze in celebrity party photography.
Sayej’s camera unveils the freewheeling exuberance of high society mingling with pop culture, capturing the essence of the party zeitgeist. In essence, it serves as a pop culture manifesto where each punchy caption delivers a story.
Beyond the city lights and the allure of parties, Sayej portrays an age both carefree and marked by the effects of a global pandemic. From the jet-setters to the social scene’s movers and shakers, each photo is a personal and intimate glimpse into New York’s elite.
Sayej shared her motivation behind this project, expressing her love for the lively parties in New York City. She aspires to share the exciting stories behind each photo with every reader, transporting them back to the magical moments when the pictures were captured.
“The Glitzerati” stands out with its photo-centric storytelling style, a nod to the Instagram generation. Notable shots include Cardi B at Paris Couture Week 2023, artist Marina Abramovic at an art gala in Red Hook, 1990s supermodel Christy Turlington at a boutique party, and Bruce Willis at New York Film Festival, each with a tale of its own.
The woman behind the lens, Nadja Sayej, has an impressive repertoire with over 15 years in the industry. Known for her celebrity interviews and pop culture writing, Sayej’s work has graced the pages of several esteemed publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Vanity Fair London
In addition to “The Glitzerati,” Sayej has penned seven books, with some notable ones being “The Celebrity Interview Book,” “Biennale Bitch,” and “Red Carpet Ho.” She also ventured into photo books with her work “Paparazzi Bitch” in 2022.
Sayej’s captivating photography and captivating storytelling immortalize the essence of New York City’s glitz and glamor. “The Glitzerati” promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city’s vibrant social scene, seen through Sayej’s unique lens. From the red carpet galas to intimate gatherings, Sayej’s captivating visual narratives bring to life the city’s cultural vibrancy, as documented in her newest book. Each image captures a piece of the city’s vivacious spirit, immortalizing an era in New York City’s social tapestry.
