Photographs by Guy Aroch

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The Virgins—Donald Cumming, Nick Zarin-Ackerman, and Wade Oates—grew up here (Queens, the Upper West Side, and assorted downtown locations, respectively) but didn’t become a band until 2006, when a series of chance meetings brought them together. Cumming (lead singer–songwriter) and Oates (guitar) met during one of photographer Ryan McGinley’s road trips, then became roommates, then recruited Zarin-Ackerman (bass). The Virgins’ self-titled debut, which came out this past year, is “meant to be an optimistic, fun record about kids who make the opposite decisions from what they’re meant to do,” says Cumming. “At some point we’ve all thought, I just want to have a really good time tonight, and I don’t give a fuck about anything else.” They’ve sold out the Music Hall of Williamsburg and, seemingly, have an affinity for fashion; aside from looking good in the pictures here (with some of their loyal fans), they’re playing the opening of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Shot on location at the Bowery Hotel. Hair by Amy Farid at See Management for Bumble & Bumble. Makeup by Angie Parker for Dior. Fashion assistant: Eve Bertin-Lang.

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Articles by Harriet Mays Powell | Doria Santlofer
• Table of Contents: Feb 23, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!