STATEN ISLAND MODE: IDENTITY, MEMORY, FASHION curated by Alexis Romano & Jenna Rossi-Camus at the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. Words by Glenn Belverio

Photo: Lance J. Reha

Dear Shaded Viewers,

We recently made a trip to Staten Island—that unfairly disparaged borough—for the public opening of Staten Island Mode: Identity, Memory, Fashion, an exhibition guest curated by my gal pal Alexis Romano and her friend Jenna Rossi-Camus. (Funny story, if I’m remembering correctly: Alexis and Jenna both grew up on Staten Island but met while attending school in London.)

As an Italian-American from a working class background, I’ve always abhorred the elitist attitude that limousine liberals in Manhattan have toward Staten Island. The borough is full of historical architecture, destination restaurants (foodies from all over make the trip to visit the nonna-run Enoteca Maria), and diverse communities—5,000 people of Sri Lankan descent call Staten Island their home, making it one of the largest communities in the world.

The first major fashion exhibition staged in the borough, Staten Island Mode: Identity, Memory, Fashion is a community-driven exploration of what people wear and why, in relation to personal and local identity. The show is a visual and material manifestation of memories and experiences.

“The exhibition grows out of the research of Alexis Romano and Jenna Rossi-Camus, two fashion historians with local roots,” explains Melissa West, Director and Senior Curator of the Newhouse Contemporary Art Center. “Having both grown up on Staten Island, they understand the complex social and cultural factors that inform our communities.”

The exhibition was just one of many things to marvel at—it’s staged at the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art in Snug Harbor, a show-stopping building that boasts soaring ceilings, ornate skylights and astonishing stained glass panels. Built in 1801, the building served as a marine hospital for retired sailors. Staten Island Mode: Identity, Memory, Fashion is on view through December 31, 2023.

Photo: Lance J. Reha

Staten Islander Wanda Chambers. Photo: Lance J. Reha

Photo: Lance J. Reha

Curators Jenna Rossi-Camus and Alexis Romano. Photo: Lance J. Reha

Staten Islander Marisa Tornello with some of her favorite pieces. Photo: Lance J. Reha

Portrait of Janine Detore, owner of Country Mouse Boutique, Forest Avenue. Photo: Michael McWeeney

The images, objects and stories presented in the exhibition focus on fashion—but inherently address broader questions about what it means to be a Staten Islander.

Portrait of Tariq Zaid of Richmond Hood Company, Castleton Ave. Photo: Michael McWeeney