Engaging story and very amusing. Hang onto those notes, because it looks like the making of a really good memoir. And the photo you picked out looks a lot better than the AI draft. ;-)
Thank you. I totally agree on the AI. I am so pleased I have it a second thought and went with a real photo. Really appreciate you taking the time to read. Glad it was fun. My purpose here is to entertain most of all.
thanks for sharing this story with me! one thing i love is discovering completely different ways of life that I would have no prior knowledge of. reading your parents experience of the fashion industry and you finding your place among that has given me a new layer of the world to absorb and it was thoroughly enjoyable to read!
Thank you so much for taking the time. It means so much in to me to get comments like this. Happy to be on Substack. My Substack will always be free to subscribe. While I mostly write fiction I have 3 personal essays like this so far with more coming this year. Please keep in touch. Thanks!
Yoooo this is actually amazing I found myself like literally like imagining it all in my head your storytelling is terrific I’m absolutely already over the moon about your work
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! It means so much to me. After Netflix killed the project “bunny never sleeps”, and I was rejected by publishers for the short story collection — I never thought anyone would ever read it! Thank you. My Substack is and always will be free. Please keep in touch! You’ll find 3 personal essays like this one and way more fiction. With both to come this year. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! It means so much to me. After Netflix killed the project “bunny never sleeps”, and I was rejected by publishers for the short story collection — I never thought anyone would ever read my stuff! My Substack is and always will be free. I have 3 personal essays like this and a lot of fiction with more to come very soon.
I really think you should keep trying to tell and sell this story. Honestly, I can see it working beautifully on screen especially with that 70s, 80s, 90s vibe. The idea of a fashion/creative family working behind the scenes, in the world of photographers and creatives, is so compelling. It almost feels like a biopic series, a bit like Halston, but focused on what happens off camera. I think a lot of people would be genuinely curious about what really went on behind the scenes in that era. There’s so much atmosphere, drama, and untold history there it really deserves to be shown.
I was immediately engulfed in this piece. The story interesting…the writing immersive…and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that your parents were responsible for the Polo prep era… your dad was the photographer… your mother selected the models. This is insanely cool… you are one lucky guy… not only that but your mom did her own Polo modeling before that. The devil wears Prada? Really?! What an interesting life you live. Most def looking for more pieces from you
Thanks so much. It’s kind of lucky to have cool parents but also kind of weird to be less cool than your parents! So happy you enjoyed. I think you’d like the Natalie Portman one I linked to that one or this new essay https://open.substack.com/pub/maxwinterstories/p/the-ghost-of-uncle-sy?r=292pvs&utm_medium=ios. Also, would love what you think of my fiction, like “bunny never sleeps” that I sold to Netflix.
True now we have Instagram influencers, not the same. Our culture is pretty sad. I’m a child of the 90s obsessed with the 70s as well. Did you read the article in Elle about my parents I linked to in that piece? I’m also going to write about growing up with my Dad living in the Chelsea Hotel.
Yes. It’s crazy even with my Dad living at the Chelsea for over 20 years I never saw CHELSEA GIRLS. I think it’s a super long experimental film and sounds a bit insufferable. But someday. I lived for 12 years behind the Whisky a Go Go on Sunset Strip where the Doors started out and I go over to Chateau all the time. Yes. We would get along IRL.
I was just reading about how Robbie Robertson and Marty Scorcesse lived together. Hollywood is endlessly interesting to me. I also love music. Jim Morrison was a super interesting guy. I followed the Dead in early 90's for a few years.
Yeah, anything Chelsea Hotel is very cool. Chateau Marmont is also.
At least models gave interviews to professional journalists and that content was then edited, making models of the 90's seem smarter and more interesting than influencers today.
Those models were also surrounded by an army of support professionals who knew what they were doing, making all content of the highest quality. I was a photographer for 20 years. Everything now is about fast and cheap, and it shows. It's feel hollow and vapid, not chic like a 90's fashion runway.
This was a great story! Thank you for sharing it with the world. For a younger audience like me it really painted the picture of the past. I got a little bit of fashion history and behind the scenes knowledge of movies I love like: the devil wears prada.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. It’s so nice to hear your POV as a younger person and I am so happy and relieved that it wasn’t totally boring or pointless for you and that I’m not just some old out of touch man, you know? It feels so nice to write something that was worth your time. You may like my fiction, such as “bunny never sleeps” which I sold to Netflix. I’m so happy to be connected. My Substack is and will always be free.
Hi Max and thanks for replying to my earlier note. I read your article and it was fascinating. The closest I've ever got to a Celebrity was when I backed into Katie Price and stood on her toes while she was doing some Promo in the HMV store on Oxford Street back in the Noughties. Saying that though, the monotonous 9-5 still has a few laughs! Glad to have connected and I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you so much for commenting. Really appreciate you taking the time to read. I’m happy you enjoyed. My Substack will always be free. It’s mostly fiction short stories, but occasionally personal memoirs and essays like this.
Hello Max! Remember me? Thank you so much for that personal input! This piece really shows your talent as a writer. You had me hooked on the story all throughout! Yozr Style is honest, funny and personal which makes it a joy to read.
My mother is a Singer, so is my father. He even was an Elvis Presley impersonater a long time, and not a bad one. And I (named Lisa-Marie) am studying business and economics...I think my parents are definetly cooler than I am😅
Thank you so much for this — what a nice and thoughtful comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed. I started with fiction on here and didn’t know what people would think of personal essays like this. It’s hard to imagine anyone caring so my first goal was to make it fun and entertaining. I’m so glad it worked for you! My Substack is and always will be free. Please keep in touch.
This is an amazing piece Max. You’re a gifted writer. I still try to be as cool as Timothée Chalamet in Lady Bird and do believe it’s possible to be a creative today. Your story resonates with me because it seems to be about identity. I constantly think about what I should and shouldn’t be doing. I was naturally artistic and creatively inclined as a kid but followed in my brother’s footsteps by joining the military. After escaping that madness I’ve been trying to re-wire my brain and get back to my old ways. I’m hopeful that one day the flaunting of my logo on social media will get me somewhere. I don’t know what you’re doing now in life but I’ve subscribed and look forward to your future work ✍️ 🎞️
Thank you so much, Connor. This is one of the most thoughtful comments I’ve received on Substack. I am so happy it resonated with you as more than just a fun and entertaining story. I can only imagine what it’s like to be a creative soul and go through the military machine and come out the other side. I hope you write about that. These days I am a producer with 20 years in film, mostly working with authors on adapting books and short stories but in the last 5 years I’ve returned to writing myself and it’s taken off in a nice way. So happy to be connected.
An amazing story. I admit that I like your writing style. Your story reminded me of how, as a teenager, I loved watching that show about designers and models that used to be on TV, and how fashion is not just about superficiality, but is actually much deeper than that. It also carries culture and even the presentation of certain memories.
Thank you so much! It means a ton to me that you got more out of it than just a fun story about a crazy time. I’m so happy it connected with you. I think you’d like my fiction too like “bunny never sleeps” which I sold to Netflix.
Thank you so much for taking the time! It’s kind of crazy to ask perfect strangers to read your stuff. It means so much to me that you enjoyed and wrote a comment. Especially after Netflix killed my project “bunny never sleeps,” and I was rejected by publishers for the short story collection — I never thought anyone would ever read this! Thank you. If you liked, you might like my fiction, including “bunny “ or the other female narrators in “sharp instrument” or “blue light”. Or “the sad lawyer” which is my latest and I think my best writing yet. Keep in touch!
God, I love to hear that. I can’t tell you how many substack pieces I’ve tried to read and couldn’t get through the first paragraph. This is the best compliment ever.
Engaging story and very amusing. Hang onto those notes, because it looks like the making of a really good memoir. And the photo you picked out looks a lot better than the AI draft. ;-)
Thank you. I totally agree on the AI. I am so pleased I have it a second thought and went with a real photo. Really appreciate you taking the time to read. Glad it was fun. My purpose here is to entertain most of all.
Amazingggg
Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment! 🙏
thanks for sharing this story with me! one thing i love is discovering completely different ways of life that I would have no prior knowledge of. reading your parents experience of the fashion industry and you finding your place among that has given me a new layer of the world to absorb and it was thoroughly enjoyable to read!
What a delightful read. Thank you for such a personal and funny insight into this world.
Thank you so much for taking the time. It means so much in to me to get comments like this. Happy to be on Substack. My Substack will always be free to subscribe. While I mostly write fiction I have 3 personal essays like this so far with more coming this year. Please keep in touch. Thanks!
Yoooo this is actually amazing I found myself like literally like imagining it all in my head your storytelling is terrific I’m absolutely already over the moon about your work
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! It means so much to me. After Netflix killed the project “bunny never sleeps”, and I was rejected by publishers for the short story collection — I never thought anyone would ever read it! Thank you. My Substack is and always will be free. Please keep in touch! You’ll find 3 personal essays like this one and way more fiction. With both to come this year. Thank you 🙏
I love your story your life is literally a Netflix bio mini-series. I’m obsessed.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! It means so much to me. After Netflix killed the project “bunny never sleeps”, and I was rejected by publishers for the short story collection — I never thought anyone would ever read my stuff! My Substack is and always will be free. I have 3 personal essays like this and a lot of fiction with more to come very soon.
I really think you should keep trying to tell and sell this story. Honestly, I can see it working beautifully on screen especially with that 70s, 80s, 90s vibe. The idea of a fashion/creative family working behind the scenes, in the world of photographers and creatives, is so compelling. It almost feels like a biopic series, a bit like Halston, but focused on what happens off camera. I think a lot of people would be genuinely curious about what really went on behind the scenes in that era. There’s so much atmosphere, drama, and untold history there it really deserves to be shown.
Thanks. I am developing this article about my parents as a movie right now. We are negotiating with financiers after the project was previously at Paramount with director Paul Feig. https://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/a33930/snow-bound-drug-fueled-supermodel-lost-weekend/
I was immediately engulfed in this piece. The story interesting…the writing immersive…and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that your parents were responsible for the Polo prep era… your dad was the photographer… your mother selected the models. This is insanely cool… you are one lucky guy… not only that but your mom did her own Polo modeling before that. The devil wears Prada? Really?! What an interesting life you live. Most def looking for more pieces from you
Thanks so much. It’s kind of lucky to have cool parents but also kind of weird to be less cool than your parents! So happy you enjoyed. I think you’d like the Natalie Portman one I linked to that one or this new essay https://open.substack.com/pub/maxwinterstories/p/the-ghost-of-uncle-sy?r=292pvs&utm_medium=ios. Also, would love what you think of my fiction, like “bunny never sleeps” that I sold to Netflix.
I’ll definitely check out bunny never sleeps. I don’t want much television... so research is required. But the article you link will absolutely read!
Thank you so much! “Bunny” never got made at Netflix unfortunately. But I am proud of the story.
Will still read it
Thanks 🙏
Are models even a thing anymore?
Well this was 26 years ago but yes. There are still models today.
No. I know. I was kidding. People actually don't care as much. Magazines are dead.
True now we have Instagram influencers, not the same. Our culture is pretty sad. I’m a child of the 90s obsessed with the 70s as well. Did you read the article in Elle about my parents I linked to in that piece? I’m also going to write about growing up with my Dad living in the Chelsea Hotel.
Didn't Warhol make a feature film called Chelsea Girls? Starring Candy Darling?
Yes. It’s crazy even with my Dad living at the Chelsea for over 20 years I never saw CHELSEA GIRLS. I think it’s a super long experimental film and sounds a bit insufferable. But someday. I lived for 12 years behind the Whisky a Go Go on Sunset Strip where the Doors started out and I go over to Chateau all the time. Yes. We would get along IRL.
I was just reading about how Robbie Robertson and Marty Scorcesse lived together. Hollywood is endlessly interesting to me. I also love music. Jim Morrison was a super interesting guy. I followed the Dead in early 90's for a few years.
Yeah, anything Chelsea Hotel is very cool. Chateau Marmont is also.
At least models gave interviews to professional journalists and that content was then edited, making models of the 90's seem smarter and more interesting than influencers today.
Those models were also surrounded by an army of support professionals who knew what they were doing, making all content of the highest quality. I was a photographer for 20 years. Everything now is about fast and cheap, and it shows. It's feel hollow and vapid, not chic like a 90's fashion runway.
Very interesting story all around. I particularly like the prose and style. Just a great interest piece. Bravo.
This was a great story! Thank you for sharing it with the world. For a younger audience like me it really painted the picture of the past. I got a little bit of fashion history and behind the scenes knowledge of movies I love like: the devil wears prada.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. It’s so nice to hear your POV as a younger person and I am so happy and relieved that it wasn’t totally boring or pointless for you and that I’m not just some old out of touch man, you know? It feels so nice to write something that was worth your time. You may like my fiction, such as “bunny never sleeps” which I sold to Netflix. I’m so happy to be connected. My Substack is and will always be free.
Hi Max and thanks for replying to my earlier note. I read your article and it was fascinating. The closest I've ever got to a Celebrity was when I backed into Katie Price and stood on her toes while she was doing some Promo in the HMV store on Oxford Street back in the Noughties. Saying that though, the monotonous 9-5 still has a few laughs! Glad to have connected and I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you so much for commenting. Really appreciate you taking the time to read. I’m happy you enjoyed. My Substack will always be free. It’s mostly fiction short stories, but occasionally personal memoirs and essays like this.
Hello Max! Remember me? Thank you so much for that personal input! This piece really shows your talent as a writer. You had me hooked on the story all throughout! Yozr Style is honest, funny and personal which makes it a joy to read.
My mother is a Singer, so is my father. He even was an Elvis Presley impersonater a long time, and not a bad one. And I (named Lisa-Marie) am studying business and economics...I think my parents are definetly cooler than I am😅
Thank you so much for this — what a nice and thoughtful comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed. I started with fiction on here and didn’t know what people would think of personal essays like this. It’s hard to imagine anyone caring so my first goal was to make it fun and entertaining. I’m so glad it worked for you! My Substack is and always will be free. Please keep in touch.
I am looking forward to reading more of this kind of Personal Essays from you!💋
Thanks so much! If you haven’t checked out “Queen Amidala’s Body Man” you’d love it!
I will! Thank you!
This is an amazing piece Max. You’re a gifted writer. I still try to be as cool as Timothée Chalamet in Lady Bird and do believe it’s possible to be a creative today. Your story resonates with me because it seems to be about identity. I constantly think about what I should and shouldn’t be doing. I was naturally artistic and creatively inclined as a kid but followed in my brother’s footsteps by joining the military. After escaping that madness I’ve been trying to re-wire my brain and get back to my old ways. I’m hopeful that one day the flaunting of my logo on social media will get me somewhere. I don’t know what you’re doing now in life but I’ve subscribed and look forward to your future work ✍️ 🎞️
Thank you so much, Connor. This is one of the most thoughtful comments I’ve received on Substack. I am so happy it resonated with you as more than just a fun and entertaining story. I can only imagine what it’s like to be a creative soul and go through the military machine and come out the other side. I hope you write about that. These days I am a producer with 20 years in film, mostly working with authors on adapting books and short stories but in the last 5 years I’ve returned to writing myself and it’s taken off in a nice way. So happy to be connected.
An amazing story. I admit that I like your writing style. Your story reminded me of how, as a teenager, I loved watching that show about designers and models that used to be on TV, and how fashion is not just about superficiality, but is actually much deeper than that. It also carries culture and even the presentation of certain memories.
Thank you so much! It means a ton to me that you got more out of it than just a fun story about a crazy time. I’m so happy it connected with you. I think you’d like my fiction too like “bunny never sleeps” which I sold to Netflix.
What an interesting read! Looking forward to reading and learning more from you!
Thank you so much for taking the time! It’s kind of crazy to ask perfect strangers to read your stuff. It means so much to me that you enjoyed and wrote a comment. Especially after Netflix killed my project “bunny never sleeps,” and I was rejected by publishers for the short story collection — I never thought anyone would ever read this! Thank you. If you liked, you might like my fiction, including “bunny “ or the other female narrators in “sharp instrument” or “blue light”. Or “the sad lawyer” which is my latest and I think my best writing yet. Keep in touch!
I fully went into reading this thinking I would skim or tap out after a few minutes. But you had me fully locked in I love your storytelling style
God, I love to hear that. I can’t tell you how many substack pieces I’ve tried to read and couldn’t get through the first paragraph. This is the best compliment ever.