“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”
– THE A L C H E M I S T
This story is simple but special.
When I first moved to Los Angeles, I was constantly enamored by this particular structure. Nestled discreetly between shops on Sunset Blvd. stood El Chavo; a lively concoction of Moroccan design meets Havana flair. Earlier this month, the Mexican restaurant with the mean margarita happy hour decided to officially close its doors for good.
I heard rumors of this looming fate last year but somehow found it hard to believe. It seemed far too beautiful too be left behind. I told myself one day I would shoot there before it was too late. I knew it would happen when the moment was right. At the time, I knew I didn’t have the tools necessary.
I’ll be honest; my desire for this goal was strong, yet my effort was minimal. That’s the crazy thing about manifestation, we’re told we have to want it, yet if we exert too much force it evades us. Things begin to happen when we demonstrate the strength and faith to release whatever it is we want. I’ve found there’s a special kind of magic in trust.
Two years came and went. This past September, I finally made good on the promise I made to myself. Like a well mixed cocktail, all the ingredients came together seamlessly; location, wardrobe, photographer and a little bit of ‘magic.’ The result of getting out of my own way was the imagery within this post.
At first, I felt as I do with any successful shoot: accomplished. When I paused, I realized it was deeper than success. It was that my vision came to light through my unwavering faith. What makes life most exciting is the possibility of having a dream actualized. Of creating the unseen in the mind and watching it appear.
As El Chavo phases out, and the old becomes the new, I’ll be curious to see how the spot is modernized. I truly hope whoever decides to take over this special space chooses to preserve some of its iconic and stylistic appeal. Regardless, I will continue to slide my cat eye shades down the bridge of my nose to sneak a peak whenever I cruise by.
She’s watching you, kid.
M
|| FEATURED L O C A T I O N ||
El Chavo Restaurant
|| FEATURED P R O D U C T S ||
Zara, Suede Platfroms
J.Crew, Chandelier Earrings
|| P H O T O G R A P H Y ||