Upstairs at erics

LEGENDARY PHOTOGRAPHER :
​
ERIC JOHNSON

​Behind the Lens: Taliek Jeqon
​as Assistant  to Iconic Photographer Eric Johnson

When culture meets vision, history is made—not just captured. Taliek Jeqon, the multidimensional creative behind Check My Closet, recently stepped into a pivotal role as Assistant Creative Director to one of hip-hop and fashion’s most revered visual storytellers: Eric Johnson.

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Who Is Eric Johnson?

If you’ve ever been struck by a ’90s-era portrait of Missy Elliott,  Faith Evans, or OutKast in their prime, chances are you were witnessing the work of Eric Johnson. A true pioneer in hip-hop photography, Johnson has chronicled the cultural evolution of Black music and style for over three decades. His lens doesn’t just shoot—it preserves moments that feel eternal. Whether capturing Maxwell, or Biggie Smalls, Johnson helped define how hip-hop was seen.

Johnsons influence doesn’t stop at images. Johnson’s aesthetic carried over into fashion with a curated collection featured at Barneys New York, blending streetwear energy with high-fashion execution. His approach elevated everyday silhouettes into icons—timeless and layered with cultural nuance.

Taliek Jeqon: Bridging Legacy with New Vision
In working alongside Eric Johnson, Taliek Jeqon didn’t just shadow a legend—they actively contributed to evolving his legacy. As Assistant Creative Director, Taliek brought a fresh lens, helping to conceptualize shoots that push visual boundaries. From curating wardrobe pulls that nod to both ‘90s nostalgia and modern streetwear, to storyboarding visual themes that speak to the soul of Black creativity, Taliek’s role was deeply embedded in both the artistic and cultural narrative of each shoot.

Projects at Erics 

Shot by Taliek Jeqon 

Make up & creative direction by Taliek Jeqon 

Cakes Da Killa 

“I wasn’t just assisting—I was translating,” says Kwon. “Eric sees through a cinematic lens rooted in history. My job was to make sure that story spoke to today’s generation without losing its soul.”
The collaboration represents a generational dialogue—between a veteran visual griot and a new voice emerging in fashion, media, and art. It’s a fusion that resonates with a stylish crowd aged 26 to 42 who value culture with depth, style with story, and visuals that speak louder than trends.
This partnership isn’t just behind the scenes—it’s part of a bigger cultural moment. As fashion and hip-hop continue to intersect in richer, more complex ways, voices like Talik J. Kwon are helping shape what the future looks like while keeping the roots visible. With the rise of fashion storytelling, creative direction, and personal branding, Talik’s role models what it means to move authentically within iconic spaces.

“I wasn’t just assisting—I was translating,” says TJ. “Eric sees through a cinematic lens  My job was to make sure that story spoke to today’s generation without losing its soul.”
The collaboration represents a generational dialogue—between a veteran visual griot and a new voice emerging in fashion, media, and art. It’s a fusion that resonates with a stylish crowd who value culture with depth.

This partnership isn’t just behind the scenes—it’s part of a bigger cultural moment. As fashion and hip-hop continue to intersect in richer, more complex ways, voices like Talik J. Kwon are helping shape what the future looks like while keeping the roots visible. With the rise of fashion storytelling, creative direction, and personal branding, Talik’s role models what it means to move authentically within iconic spaces.