The Big Show

office spoke with photographer Valerio Nico about his brilliant discovery within the parallel universe that is the circus. Ultimately finding a haven of explore self-exploration and freedom, Nico offers a break from the monotony of daily life in his exclusive photo series.

What are your earliest memories of the circus?

When I think about the circus, the first thing that comes in mind are the lit windows of the caravans. When I was a child, I used to think they were hiding special things inside.

Can you describe the Darix Togni circus show?

The first time I went to the Darix Togni circus show was a few weeks before we did the photoshoot of the editorial. I ended up there randomly, and after giving it a thought, I decided to go inside to see the show. Before this I would have never have thought I would go nowadays to a circus, since I haven't been to one for a long time. The Darix Togni show represents exactly the parallel world that all of us sometimes need to get ourselves lost in. It lets you get into a dimension where your brain can go away and be off for two straight hours and just let go.

What is your connection to the Darix Togni show?

One day, I was walking in the suburbs of Milan and I came across this giant red tent. While I was looking over it, so many memories of my childhood came to my mind, so I decided to tell a story through and editorial of my version of this reality.

What does the circus represent in the modern imagination, do you think?

I’ve always found a strong interest in the circus. I found so much inspiration through the characters and freedom that most of it represents and most of all the playful irony it shows. It’s a space where people can think outside the box, express themselves and feel free to create performances that try to distract you from normality.

How did that play into the styling for this project?

The styling was thought through a selection of avant-garde and non avant-garde designers, to create characters with a singular irony. We added some sobriety to it, so it wouldn't look ridiculous. The main thing was to create and image of two characters who are playful with their surroundings and themselves.

Favorite circus act? Ride?

Each act is different and intrigues me in a different way.

If you were a carousel horse, what would you look like?

The most bizarre one.

*Please note: office is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Darix Togni Circus or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.*

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AVE, Catherine Acosta (Vans Chief Archivist and Historian), and Neal Shoemakers (Director of Design, Vans Skate

The "Commitment to Progression" tour will land in Shanghai and Seoul later this year.

Check out scenes from the cash-for-tricks session that closed out the night below.

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Sipping on “Reverse Aging” cocktails (algae and coconut fat-based), attendees sampled earthy mochis bathed in broth, a grassy custard mixture seductively dolloped into a curved glass (meant for licking off), and strewn-high piles of radishes and leafy greens on a grazing table.

Moss’s permanent location will open at 520 Fifth Avenue in 2025, a five-story clubhouse that promises a cocktail of intrigue and unexpected flavor.

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Artists across a range of disciplines and backgrounds contributed work to the auction, supported by Artsy. This year’s range included pieces by Shaniqwa Jarvis, Bill Saylor, Jamie Nares (warmly accompanied by her daughter at the gala), and Tariku Shiferaw.

“We’ve established a relationship where I’m able to mentor a team of interns, and I was invited to donate a piece for the auction. Their programs are about gifting the next generation with the skills and knowledge to succeed,” Shiferaw shared.

Between a festive dinner by Tillie’s and a cheeky speech from Wool’s close friend Richard Maxwell, a guest took the stage to share her story: Yaqueline Hernandez, an FIT graduate now on the design team at Derek Fordjour Studios.

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“It’s not just a non-profit organization, but a dynamic community of students, artists, and supporters. Everyone's enthusiasm and participation is key – we grow together,” the group’s Development Manager Rachel Park shared.

The evening coincided with the opening of Wool’s latest exhibition, See Stop Run, a survey of the artist’s works over the past decade. Throughout the show’s run over the next four months, he will invite Free Arts NYC school groups, community centers, and emerging young artists from around the city to visit and participate in specialized workshops.