In 1986, I first started coming to New York City regularly, mostly to hang out in the club scene. The city was magical and the larger than life personalities I would encounter were inspirational. And, while I knew I was never going to be the coolest kid in the room, I knew that I needed to be surrounded by the level of energy, creativity and passion for life that drove the city at that time. The influence was palpable. Whether a night watching Leigh Bowery give birth on stage at Susanne Bartsch’s Copacabana, or sitting on the floor at Bar d’O, enraptured by the breathtaking voice of Joey Arias — I knew that there was no where on the planet I’d rather be. It was around that time I met Christian Mitchell — makeup artist and photographer, and co-worker at MAC. His creativity, humor and kindness were unsurpassed — then and now. When it came time to put this story together there was no one else I ever thought to ask. I knew that his ability to bring out the inner spirit of his subjects along with his deep relationship with each of the Icons I wanted to invite to be a part of the story, would end up in something spectacular. And, as usual, he far surpassed my wildest dreams. I am so grateful to him and each of our Icons for sharing their voices with us. — Michael DeVellis

To be honest, when Michael first talked to me about this project, I wanted to decline. Not because it didn’t sound amazing, but it’s easy to say no to things because of our busy lives — just put it off for another time. But I said yes, and capturing these icons in photographs has reignited my passion for creating things. We chatted during these sessions and while I’ve known each of these original icons for over twenty years, I continue to learn more with each conversation. This incredible group of people have very personal stories. “Iconic” status can be somewhat subjective, but I truly believe each one of them is iconic. Their history, their passion, their influence on others and their contributions to making NYC an interesting place to live makes them iconic. They are funny and inspiring and often over-the-top. They take risks and enjoy life. I am touched by the way each of these people nurture and encourage others. Community is important to them. I am grateful that they all took the time out of their busy schedules to allow me to shoot them. I hope I have captured each in a way that gives a small glimpse into their personal style and have captured the warmth that I feel every time I’m around them. — Christian Mitchell

SUSANNE BARTSCH
What originally brought you to New York City?
I moved here from London in 1981. I visited my boyfriend for Valentines day and I fell in love with New York! He went back to London and I took the apartment at the Chelsea Hotel where I still live today.

What was most exciting about New York at that time?
I think the possibility to create something really new was exciting It was different back then. The fashion and party scene was very conservative. I mean in one way you had drag queens and punk scene, but then the rest was pretty boring. I opened a store for British underground designers in Soho. I missed the constantly changing fashions of London, so I thought why not import what I miss! Then I did my first party a couple of years later. It was at the Club Savage next door to the Chelsea Hotel. Everyone came dressed up head to toe. There was a line around the block. Creating a new way to bring people from different walks of life together was exciting – it still is.

How has New York changes since then?
There is no underground anymore. Everything is so commercial. Everything is shared on Instagram in a split second. There are no surprises — no secrets. I’m glad I also experienced the days where we dressed to be a little crazy, to get creative and express ourselves. Now it’s about dressing to get likes on Instagram.

What do you love about makeup?
Makeup is a big part of my transformation process, it enables me to be anything or anybody It’s such an incredible part of my looks and via makeup I can repeat outfits that I already wore in to something totally new.

What is your can’t live without it product?
MAC Viva Glam I lipstick. It’s the perfect color and it saves lives. It’s a perfect marriage with my Love Ball that is happening this June. It’s the first time since the ‘80s we are doing the ball. Its going to be incredible.

LAUREN EZERSKY
What originally brought you to NYC?
I moved to NYC in the mid-seventies – it was where the fashion and photographers were and was so exciting. I was from Yonkers and my mother and I would come and spend time shopping and going to the jewelry district. All my friends back home were standing around smoking cigarettes and drinking beer on the corner, and I knew that wasn’t the life for me. Everything happened in NYC – how could I not be there.

What was most exciting about NYC at that time?
The creativity. Everyone was so creative! We didn’t have a pot to piss in, but we went out every night and always had great costumes and style. We would make our outfits and design our own look. I think I was the first one to wear underwear as outwear. I’d wear pantyhose and a jacket or a bra as my look.

What has changed most about NYC in the past since then.?
Now, it’s more about money. Today a party is about bottle service and sitting at the right table. Back then, you could have nothing and be creative and you’d make friends. Creativity is not the focus so much – it’s about making money. Also now social media has made it about how things look and how many people are following you. It’s all bullshit. I remember seeing someone’s Instagram photos of a party and thinking — wow that party looks great. Then I realized that I was at the same party — and it had sucked.

How would you describe your style?
I always have used the word eclectic, but now I think its overused. I do like a mixed energy to my look. I might be in jeans but I’ll have on my bling bling. I might wear a ballgown to go grocery shopping. It all depends on my mood. But I never leave home without my jewelry and my makeup.

What do you love about makeup?
Oh my God. I do not leave the house without my makeup! I apply it with a spatula. I love a heavy makeup look, a dark eye, an earthtone lip. I might change the colors up a bit but I always stick to a pretty similar look. I once went out without my makeup on, and someone screamed my name across the street. I was so embarrassed to not have my face on. The one time you go out without being done, you get snagged. Makeup is amazing. You can look different everyday. It’s a part of me – a part of my wardrobe.

What is your can’t live without it makeup product?
My mascara – I’d feel naked without my mascara.

PATRICK MCDONALD
When did you first move to New York?
I originally moved to the city in 1978 from Malibu. I had met Andy Warhol in Los Angeles and he said I should move to New York City. Besides that, it was Interview Magazine that inspired me to come to the city because I used to follow it from early ‘70s and would see the sketches by Antonio Lopez and think I need to be in the middle of the place where this all happens.

What has changed most about New York since then?
I think the level of creativity has changed most — or specifically the lack thereof. People don’t take time to create anymore. It’s fast creativity — like fast food. It gives me more of a stomach ache than pleasure.

What do you love about makeup?
For both men and women, makeup enhances beauty — and life. Go a little or a go lot — enhance as much you want.

How would you describe your style?
It’s dandy, but it’s a cross between Elizabeth Taylor and Quinton Crisp. It evolved to that though — when I first moved to New York I was more high fashion, I would wear paper jumpsuits from Fiorucci, black leather pants, pointy boots. Then I got a job at my friends store, Bellocchio Uomo, and would change into these great Italian clothes for work. Then I got a job at Barney’s when they first started selling women’s clothes. I needed to up my game, and I have kept with the dandy style ever since.

What is your can’t live without it product”?
I can’t live without Nivea original lotion, and Carbon eyeshadow from MAC. Eyebrows, eyeliner, beauty mark — it does it all! With a black pencil and an angle brush and I can travel the world!

JOEY ARIAS
When did you first move to New York?
I moved to New York in 1976. I came with Kim Hastreiter from Paper Magazine. We drove here in a giant Ford – like a covered wagon — coming from California to NY.

Why did you move here?
I wanted to live in a place where I’d find real people who I’d want be with, not phoney people, just were looking out for themselves. Plus, I was an artist and wanted to meet Andy Warhol.

What has changed most about NYC in the past since then.?
Well, some good things and bad things. On the good side, the city has been cleaned up. Remember Times Square? Remember downtown? Now it’s all brand new again and that’s great. But the horrible thing is that everyone looks the same, acts the same. Everyone on their phones like robots. I can dig it, it’s very futuristic. Also, I don’t like this giant grid thing, the giant shopping mall that the city has become. Why would you want to do that? We have so many great little shops and unique places, so why put all of these commercial things that we can get anywhere?

How would you describe your style?
My style in the beginning was a lot of thrift shop, wanting to be old Hollywood mixed with extra terrestrial. But now I’m more inspired by nature — taking my cue from nature and thinking “OMG that’s what I need!” Now I’m like looking at butterfly wings and clouds and trees — and the answers are all there.

What do you love about makeup?
First of all, I love pizza! Mostly I think because it looks like a pile of melted makeup — like from a microwave! Hahahahah! Seriously though, makeup to me is a way of enhancing a feeling that you have. I believe the makeup should change every day with your mood. It’s a mood enhancer! I’ve been playing with makeup since I was 5 years old. My parents caught me playing Cleopatra with my neighbors and I was full on in makeup eye liner and lipstick. That was the beginning.

What is your can’t live without it product?
If I could only pick one — Lipstick! Dark plum — Cyber. With that I can make lips or eyes and rub it on my cheeks and then use my nails to make eyebrows. MAC CYBER — put my name on it and sell it!!!

MICHAEL FORMIKA JONES
What originally brought you to NYC?
In 1989, when I was 19, I was sent here by my friends. They were a cool couple who owned an amazing Italian restaurant in Santa Fe called Comos Italiano, where I worked. They loved me and said NYC would love me too. Thirty years later I’m still here. Thanks Nat and Darlene Como for saving my life!

What has changed most about NYC in the past 20 years.
What hasn’t!? But I have faith in people of NYC to take it back. They are the only reason I’m still here in this expensive strip mall of real estate robbery. The people are the creme de la creme, so they keep me on my toes. As an artist and creative person they inspire me on a daily basis!

How would you describe your style?
Struggling Artist/Sophisticated Street/Corporate Hooker. Nowadays you have to be extremely versatile! Besides it’s the polite thing to do. Lol.

What do you love about makeup?
The illusion of perfection and the ability to live out any fantasy.

What is your can’t live without it makeup product?
Translucent powder, mascara and a dash of lipgloss for the day. And non-smear lipstick for the evening — wink, wink.

KEMBRA PFAHLER
What originally brought you to New York City?
I moved to NYC in 1979. NYC was a very dangerous and unpopular place. No one from LA wanted to move here. I was a punk rocker and I liked the idea of being on an unpopular place. I came to NYC to make my dreams come true just like everybody else.

What has changed most about New York since then?
There’s more diversity in the punk scene now than back in the day. Twenty years ago the scene was predominantly white and it’s great to see that has changed.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as beach goth with an affinity towards anything that opposes tradition. It could also be describe as anything that turns men off and challenges what society believes a female should be or look like.

What do you love about makeup?
I believe my face is a canvas that should be painted on. To me, makeup is the foundation of individuality and creative expression. Transforming myself through makeup into how I truly feel inside has always lifted my spirit.

Which makeup products can’t you live without?
I think black eye liner and moisturizing cream. But more importantly, body paint, since it is such an important element in my artistic expression.