My Mission for Rick Owens Shots
Okay, so I saw people posting these crazy cool photos of Rick Owens collections in New York, like the super architectural pieces just hanging out in the city. Looked amazing. Felt like everyone knew where to go except me. I wanted those shots too, obviously. Enough scrolling, time to hunt myself.

The Starting Point: Hitting Brick-and-Mortar
First thing Tuesday morning? Jumped on the subway straight to Soho. Seemed obvious. Walked right into the main Rick Owens flagship store – you know the one. Place looks cool inside, super clean and minimalist. Grabbed a few pics of the shelves and lighting setup. Felt kinda… basic. Like, yeah it’s nice and all, but nothing screamed “That iconic New York backdrop”. Just felt like shopping photos. Not what I was after.
Next, headed over to Dover Street Market. Figured since they carry Rick Owens, maybe they do something special. Wandered every floor, looked hard. They had pieces displayed, sure, but it was all mixed in with tons of other brands. Felt cluttered in photos, couldn’t get clean shots where the clothes were the clear star. Left feeling a bit frustrated. Lunch break needed.
Changing Gears: Thinking Outside the Store
Sitting with my sandwich, I realized maybe I was looking in the wrong places. Those epic photos online? They weren’t inside stores. Time to wander neighborhoods known for art and good lighting.
Grabbed my backpack and started walking towards the Meatpacking District. Passed an alleyway near Gansevoort Street and boom – spotted a massive piece mounted high up on this old industrial brick wall. Real deal NYC texture. Snapped away – perfect harsh shadows hitting the fabric. That was more like it!
Headed up towards Chelsea galleries later that afternoon. Wasn’t sure exactly where, just scanning buildings. Then, near a gallery close to the High Line entrance, saw another installation. Looked like one of those sculptural dresses posed almost like a statue in this sleek, modern alcove. Juxtaposition was killer – old New York sidewalk, super modern concrete space, insane Rick Owens piece. Got low, shot upwards, captured the vibe. Jackpot.

The Big Lesson Learned
After blisters and way too much walking, here’s the real lowdown:
- Forget just the stores. The truly unique photo spots are hidden outdoors.
- Your best friends? Neighborhoods with character. Think Meatpacking District’s old industrial vibes, Chelsea’s gallery streets, even Tribeca’s cobblestones near big warehouse doors.
- Light is king. Hit these spots late afternoon – those long NYC shadows? Magic for Rick’s shapes.
- Walk. Seriously. Just wander and look UP. The installations get mounted high on walls, tucked into building nooks. You miss them rushing.
- Don’t expect signs or maps. It’s a treasure hunt. Be patient, scan buildings constantly.
Honestly, felt like a little victory finding those spots myself. Way better than any store interior shot. Go explore, keep your eyes peeled, and wear comfy shoes! That’s the real secret.