Ahmad Barber and Donte Maurice: The Dynamic Duo Behind AB+DM Studio
Ahmad Barber and Donte Maurice are the creative minds behind AB+DM Studio, a cutting-edge fashion and portrait photography studio based in the heart of NYC. Since its inception in 2018, the duo has been a force to be reckoned with, bringing a fresh and unique perspective to the industry.
But what sets Ahmad and Donte apart is not just their shared passion for art, but also their individual strengths and differences. Together, they make a dream team, but their workflows and perspectives don’t always need to function in tandem. While they share the same creative spark, they approach their work and life in different ways.
Ahmad is the refined and buttoned-up partner, while Donte is the adventurous one, both in his personal work and fashion choices. This contrast is what gives AB+DM Studio its edge, as the two balance each other out and create artistic harmony.
Shopping for the Perfect Holiday Gifts with UGG
Recently, Ahmad and Donte teamed up with UGG for a day of shopping at the NYC flagship store to pick out the perfect holiday gifts for each other. As they browsed through the store, they dove into their different approaches to projects and highlighted their contrasting qualities.
“I’m more logistics-based and involved in pre-production, while Donte is more creative in his approach,” Ahmad explained. “But we work symbiotically and learn a lot from each other. Sometimes we’ll even end up buying the same thing, but we’ll wear it in completely different ways,” Donte added.
These differences also reflect in their wardrobe choices. While Ahmad prefers polished and matching sets, Donte likes to experiment with textures and tactile looks. This was evident in their gift choices for each other, as they made sure to find the perfect aesthetic for their counterpart.
“To me, a good gift is when someone pays attention. Donte and I talk a lot and take mental notes, so when birthdays and holidays come around, we already have ideas,” Donte shared. Ahmad echoed this sentiment, saying, “A good gift shows that there was thought put into it. I always try to think, ‘Will this add value to your life?’ It’s not about the size or cost, it’s about the intention.”
Contrasting Styles, Perfect Gifts
As they shopped with UGG, Ahmad and Donte made sure to consider their contrasting styles. “I’m a simple and structured person. My wardrobe is all about redefining a matching set. I mostly stick to monochromatic looks,” Ahmad said. Donte added, “I love playing with texture, color, and mixing different elements together. I also like experimenting with silhouettes.”
After browsing through some key styles, like the Classic Ultra Mini Wrap Tech and the Classic Ultra Mini Hybrids, the two finally revealed their gifts to each other. Ahmad chose the Tasman II for Donte, a comfortable and stylish option perfect for his partner’s expressive style. And Donte picked out the Neumel for Ahmad, a sleek and versatile choice that fits perfectly with Ahmad’s refined aesthetic.
Ahmad and Donte’s partnership is a true testament to the power of collaboration and embracing differences. Together, they continue to push boundaries and create stunning work, both in their studio and in their personal style.
