From Sleep Serum to Cozy Cashmere—a Celebrity Photographer’s Favorite Inspirations
His portraits of John Legend, Kate Hudson, and other luminaries are gorgeous and original, but celebrity photographer Carlos Eric Lopez’s most stunning images might be the ones that explore his Mexican American heritage. “My favorite holiday is Día de Muertos,” says the LA-based Lopez. “It’s important to appreciate my ancestors’ struggles.” Accordingly, he throws a rager of a Día de Muertos dinner party every year, jammed with Latinx artists, musicians, and others who inspire him. Postdinner (or any other night out), Lopez smooths on Sleep Milk serum before bed. Below, he explains why—and shares his favorite style essentials and inspirations.
1
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk
goop, $98/$89 with subscription
After nights out and my big annual dinner I apply Sleep Milk before bed. It’s super gentle yet hydrating and leaves my skin baby-soft. Without it, I look like a Catrina—the adorned skeleton that symbolizes Día de Muertos—in broad daylight (not in a good way).
2
God’s True Cashmere Button-Down Shirt
goop, $2,250
This reminds me of my grandfather’s uniform: plaid shirt, Dickies, a handkerchief, and leather boots. He’d call out, “Hey, Hollywood,” and I’d run to hug him, nuzzled up against his cozy, worn-in flannel. This shirt reminds me of what Grandpa Lopez’s warm embrace felt like.
3
goop Beauty Scented Candle: Edition 01 – Church
goop, $72
If Día de Muertos had a scent, it would combine spicy cempazúchitl (Aztec marigold) with smoky-sweet copal, a sacred resin. I’m not making an ofrenda, or offering, every day, so I burn this candle to keep the tradition going and ward off negative energy.
4
Tom Dixon Nosing Glasses, Set of 2
goop, $100
There’s nothing better than having a few friends over, pouring a little Don Julio served neat, and vibing with my own collection of records.
5
U-Turn Audio Orbit Special Turntable with Built-In Preamp
goop, $569
As a kid, I loved going through my grandfather’s collection of vinyls. It was a full-on archive of Mexican and Latinx music with records from Vicente Fernández, Celia Cruz, Antonio Aguilar, Cuco Sánchez, and Chalino Sánchez, as well as prolific mariachis and cumbia compilations.
My Ultimate Inspiration
My mother, Josephine Cisneros Lopez, was—and still is. I dream that my friends had gotten to meet her. She was a fabulous woman, which is why I’m drawn to fabulous women today. She always encouraged me to dream big and go after those dreams.
