haute couture tokyo

I've been keeping track of Sophia Neophitou for a while, as the current Fashion Editor and stylist of 10 magazine she is renowned as being one of the most influential and respected creative forces in the fashion industry. I've only just stumbled across this amazing shoot for the April 2012 edition of 10. I can't praise the styling enough, beautifully pure white lace and the contrast of the seductive PVC knickers in the crawling pose makes such a fantastic picture. Matching the creepers with the light and girly haute couture garments creates a perfect contrast, and the simple background and old school polaroid photography adds to the contrast effect. Simple, stunning and inspiring.
Photographer: Nobuyoshi Araki. Make-up Artist: Ken Nakano.

draw on me.

Treated myself to the June edition of Dazed & Confused today after discovering my name in amongst the Dazed team. I am really inspired by the "a scanner darkly" editorial, inspired by the infamous illustrator Rene Gruau who frequently worked by Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Givenchy. The use of hand drawn illustrations on the simple images looks really effective, a great way of combining and showcasing the talent of illustrators. The makeup artist Yadim has also been elected as Dior's first International Makeup designer, who has clearly been influenced by Rene's work. A really classic editorial and incredibly interesting.
Photographer: Daniel Jackson, Stylist: Karen Langley, Make-up: Yadim

Bonnie & Ping

Even though this editorial featured in an older version of 10 magazine it hasn't stopped my fascination with it. The photography is amazing, the positioning of the two models has created some really original and interesting photos (the one with them at the fountain is one of my favourites). With China being the most populated country on the planet, it was interesting to see how the models were kept separate, highlighting loneliness in the big city and maybe touching on the "1 child only" law the country follows. Its a great documentation of the city, the influence of Chinese culture and overall just a great piece of editorial work. Photographer: Sean Thomas. Editor: Sophia Neophitou

Ordinary Accidents

Ironically stumbled across this photo story by "accident" and was instantly hooked by the clever styling, photography and ultimately the innovative story idea. With a 1950s Mad Men / early 1960s styling of luxe silk suits and richly pleated cotton skirts you would assume the story would follow a successful and power female at work during this period. This has been flipped on its head in a more sophisticated way rather than a kitsch way. With the backdrop of New York marbled streets, the females are not independently power figures but embarrassments, probably enjoyed one too many glasses of whiskey in the advertising offices. By being dragged around like mannequins it changes the perspective of the female character as displaying a facade of empowerment when actually she is still disposable (a great reflection of the ongoing power struggle during society at this time). The use of cropping the images to ensure the face is not recognisable helps to embody this idea of being a mannequin and unimportant. "Ordinary Accidents" for Grey Magazine (Italy) photographer: Alessio Bolzoni. stylist: Moreno Galatà