FROM FLÂNEUR TO FLÂNOGRAPHER
At The Fifth Avenue Hotel, we’re deeply inspired by the flâneur—a curious soul who moves through life with a keen eye, noticing moments and details others might overlook. Building on this idea, we’ve created the concept of the “flânographer”: an artist who not only captures the essence of our spaces but uses them as a canvas to explore and elevate their craft. Each flânographer is carefully chosen by our team to immerse themselves in The Fifth, interpreting its surroundings in ways that invite guests to see, feel, and connect in beautifully unexpected ways.
INTRODUCING OUR FIRST FLÂNOGRAPHER: STEVE MCCURRY
Introducing Steve McCurry, a visionary whose photography has shaped how we see the world. Known for capturing humanity with depth and nuance through portraiture, Steve embodies the spirit of the flâneur—curious, observant, and deeply attuned to his surroundings. As our proprietor Alex Ohebshalom shares, “His love and dedication to travel, to exposing parts of the world that were otherwise unknown, to telling the honest story, and to excellence in his craft are unmatched.”
Steve McCurry has an extraordinary ability to see beyond the surface, capturing a soul within a glance. His iconic works include the Afghan Girl, whose piercing green eyes became a global symbol, and the Rabari elder from Rajasthan, India, with his vibrant turban and dignified gaze. At The Fifth, Steve turned his lens to Amah Modek, our beloved brand ambassador.
Steve McCurry has an extraordinary ability to see beyond the surface, capturing a soul within a glance. His iconic works include the Afghan Girl, whose piercing green eyes became a global symbol, and the Rabari elder from Rajasthan, India, with his vibrant turban and dignified gaze. At The Fifth, Steve turned his lens to Amah Modek, our beloved brand ambassador.
We invited Steve to experience The Fifth Avenue Hotel in his own way, letting its spaces guide his creativity. Wandering the mansion’s hallways, he uncovered layers of history, beauty, and inspiration, all brought to life through his lens.
Steve captured the magic of the Gilded Age in a Mansion Suite, framing our brand ambassador in a moment of quiet elegance. Seen through a dividing window pane, she sits poised on the edge of the bed, creating an image that feels reflective and timeless—much like the hotel itself.
Everything, everywhere, at The Fifth invites a closer look. Even our proprietor stepped behind the camera, embodying the creative spirit of the flânographer. “It’s a universe of whimsy, color, personality, and fantasy,” Alex explains. “Flânographers can leave their mark, write a new chapter, and discover a new angle of their work or craft.”
Before the shutter clicks, the magic happens in quiet moments like these. Here, the final touches were just as important as the moment in front of the camera—proof that the smallest details always make a difference.
The Portrait Bar was where the shoot came to a close, and it couldn’t have been a more fitting finale. Its dynamic colors and layered design offered Steve one last opportunity to capture the energy and character of The Fifth.
DISCOVERING THE FLÂNOGRAPHER WITHIN
To exist is to create. Through this upcoming series, we hope to awaken the flânographer within everyone who comes to know and love The Fifth. Each visit offers an invitation to slow down, look deeper, and see beauty in overlooked details. We invite guests to experience The Fifth—and perhaps even life itself—with a renewed sense of wonder and fresh perspective.
