The cover and editorial, “Collections,” for the July issue of Vogue Italia is an over-the-top photo set to be sure. Depicted in spectacular large spreads are the most sensational Fall/Winter 2012 collections, augmented by dynamic compositions and considerable sets. The collections of Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Commes des Garcons, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Versace, Rick Owens, and Louis Vuitton all take on a distinctive personality as the set and styling of each photo keeps the disposition of each collection in mind. Stylist Karl Templer creates moods that fluctuate drastically. From the lustrous dark attitude of the Givenchy collection to the quirky and amusing Commes des Garcons collections, the styling is reflective of each collections’ distinguishing personality. Similarly, set designer Mary Howard interprets the environment for each collection keeping the tone of the editorial impressive and playful. Models Vanessa Axente, Elena Bartels, Ros Georgiou, Hedvig Palm, Julia Nobis, Erjona Ala, Mackenzie Drazan, Lida Fox, Lula Osterdahl, and Ophelie Rupp are the embodiment of each look with poses of such energy and intensity. Thrilling and entertaining, “Collections” is not simply about the sensational photography or the extensive sets, but indeed about the captivating collections and their different characters. The nature of each collection and the temperament of their customer is so fantastically diverse that the appeal of “Collections” lies in the assortment.

By: Sarah Humphries

Lily Cole gets patriotic for her editorial and cover for S Moda. This issue celebrates the 2012 London Olympics with an interpretation of British fashion throughout the decades. Photographer Damon Baker and stylist Alberto Murta channel the edgy British attitude using an eclectic mix of designers like Dr. Martins, Givenchy, Manish Arora, Blumarine, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, and Agent Provocateur. Bold accessories make up an important addition to most of the looks in the photo set. Hats range from a lustrous petit leather beret, to a feathered headdress of the showgirl variety as well as a sweetly dazzling velvety crown. Of course, Twiggy was the inspiration for the 60s look and Cole’s doe eyes suited the look perfectly.

In the June issue of Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong, Patrycja Gardygajlo expresses old Hollywood glamour in a shimmering new way. The editorial for Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong called “Glamorous Life!!” and shot by Dirk Messner, depicts an elegant scene indeed. Rich environment hues and sumptuous garment textures make for a dramatic fashion story. Stylist Jennifer Hahn selects labels like Balmain, Versace, Giambattista Valli, Prada, and Burberry to express the lux 1930s inspired aesthetic. Gardygajlo’s ruby coif harkens to the beauty of vintage vixens like Rita Hayworth and Betty Page. Thick bangs along with polished waves compliment slick evening gowns and lavish furs. “Glamorous Life” transpires in a velvety setting- quite reflective of the fashion in the narrative. Cinematic lighting is echoed metallic accents around the apartment. The fashion of the editorial incorporated a motif of gold and black. The only subtle injection of color comes in a piece from the ever-popular Prada s/s line with a burgundy and emerald green leotard. “Glamorous Life!!” is a attractively modern take on retro splendor.

By: Sarah Humphries

The bold editorial entitled “We Are The Champions,” shot by Ellen von Unwerth, features harsh contrasts, body conscious fashion, long locks, warrior inspiration, and athletic undertones. A slight subversiveness throughout the photo narrative highlights Renn’s dominating female role. A changing chameleon with a decisively strong personality, she wears the elaborate fashions rather than letting the fashion wear her. Creative designers such as Maison Margiela, Roberto Cavalli, Pucci, and Herve Leger are featured in the editorial as well as extensive use of the outlandish and decadent jewelry designs of Glynneth B. The photos speak volumes in their intensity and captivating nature and that is exactly why Schon has declared “We Are The Champions,” a sure winner.

By: Sarah Humphries

It is possible that Bekah Jenkins could have fooled some fisherman into thinking she’s a creature of the sea when viewing her mermaid inspired fashion spread for Canadian Flare. Lounging languidly on a stony shore, or inside a rocky cave, the environments complement the glistening beauty of the garments she wears. Otherworldly and rich, they do evoke the idea of a “fish out of water” as she seems to emerge from the waves, but still remains connected to them. The photos create a narrative of an inseparable bond with the nurturing earth.

A particularly striking photo in the set is defined by the magnificent Peter Pilotto Spring/Summer 2012 dress, which adorns Jenkins, and is the breathtaking focus of the photo. The digital print of the dress is quite an anomaly among the other pieces. The quality that keeps it cohesive with the other pieces is its suggestiveness of waves and serenity. The May 2012 Flare splendidly illustrates chic summer fashion through with the tranquil beauty of the sea. Mermaid beauty is definitely a trend for Summer 2012 and these serene photos capture the wonder and exquisiteness of the ever-magical ocean.

Photos by Chris Nicholls for Flare May 2012

By: Sarah Humphries

Elle’s whimsical and winsome editorial entitled “The Seeker” is the perfect marriage of setting and attitude. The vibe of the photo set is one of isolation and contemplative reflection as model Vlada Roslyakova lounges amongst seemingly mundane dilapidated surroundings. The goal of the shoot is to depict a hyper glamorous small-town girl using lavish pieces of the season in these unusual settings. Elle describes it as “Southern romanticism meet big city yearnings. Glamorous twists on staples- high-shine cowboy boots, louche blouses and jackets, chunky jewelry- will give small-town girls something to talk about.”

The photography has an interestingly spacious approach, showing her full figure in almost every shot against a large expanse of background. It is effective in showing a full look as opposed to creating focus on a specific piece or garment. One shot where Roslyakova sits in a metal folding chair against a painted starry background showcases the excellent pairing of her printed blouse with shiny, Marc Jacobs cowboy boot heels, cowboy inspired footwear being a motif of the editorial. The settings are quite varied- a roadside, a rustic wooden fence, a field, a playground, but all have cohesion in their dramatic, cinematic depiction of rural America.

“The Seeker” has a quality of not only fashion photography but has a narrative quality as well. It gives the sensation of a fashion concentration as well as the creation of a character. This small-town darling is probably the talk of the town as her big-city dreams have her sights set far away.

A mix and match display of splendorous artworks and artifacts, photographer Mario Testino captures his own L.A. home for the March issue of Vogue.  His abode is an eclectic mix of chic art and furniture united with an assortment of inspiration from his Peruvian roots and model Natalia Vodianova seems the perfect accompaniment to the photo set in her print saturated styling. Through Testino’s youth in Lima, he found himself immersed in the distinguished décor of Peru. Such represented a similar amalgamation of history and current trends encapsulating Incan influences, Spanish influence, and contemporary design- ideas that his current residence depicts.

Testino’s forays into interior design were not always so successful. Upon moving to London in the 1980s, he adorned his apartment in a ludicrous but thrilling color scheme, Vogue describes it as “a staircase painted melon, lime green, duck-egg blue, and black, and bookcases in gray and puce against bottle green walls.” Needless to say Testino asserts that his unexpected interior style left his friends “on the floor laughing at the bad taste.” However, laughter is not something heard when viewing Mario Testino’s present dwelling- just silent awe perhaps.

By Sarah Humphries

This month, Vogue China will be featuring a editorial full of retro American glam. The editorial called “We Go Together” (obviously a reference to the movie, Grease) displays beautifully the greaser subculture which comprised a very artistically rebellious part of 1950s Americana. Photographer Lincoln Pilcher manages to capture the photos with a stylistic sensibility of the past but maintains a fresh and varied aesthetic for each photo. The narrative of the photo set depicts a love triangle between the innocent 50s darling, which we can only guess by the iconic hairstyle was inspired by the character “Sandy” in Grease. The other vintageous vixen was evidently inspired by “Rizzo-” the token bad girl of Grease. And finally, the James Dean-esque greaser bad boy inspired by the character of Danny completes the triumvirate. Together the colorful gals and their suave greaser guy create an interesting story that unfolds in the editorial.

“We Go Together” is complemented by iconic garments that designers today have derived from a similar inspiration source as the shoot- classic lines of retro Americana. Prada, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Dolce & Gabbana are all featured with their elegant pieces styled to perfection to emulate 50s allure.

Although most of the editorial is set in familiar territory for a 50s inspired shoot (i.e. a diner, a vintage car) they manage to not feel familiar. Stimulating posing and camera angles add the refreshing nature of the photos and to their charming success. This March issue editorial is assuredly a brilliant way to become inspired for the summer season lurking just around the corner. These 1950s ensembles definitely give a craving for some vivacious vintage summertime clothes.

By Sarah Humphries

Since we call California home, we’re loving this “Winter Break” editorial in Lucky magazine. Even though most of the country is dealing with snow storms and frigid temperatures, we’re just sad the thermostat has dropped below 70 degrees (it’s a rough life, we know). Not to mention winter is the only “break” us grown ups have left (later spring break crazy days), hence why we’re oogling this editorial with a little extra joy this season.

The shoot may provide you a vivid break from your cool climate, and for us it makes us want to take a trip to Palm Springs, CA. As the whole editorial looks like it could’ve been shot there, actually we think it was. Photographer Tierney Gearon captured all of the high contrast imagery. Our favorite? The image with the model in hot pink gazing up at the sky next to a rocket… Looks like things haven’t exactly blasted off for her yet.

But you can have some fun by browsing the full shoot on MyFDB.

Professional Credits:

Model Paz De La Huerta is a force to be reckoned with! The leggy brunette poses clad in black panties with a matching bra for Flaunt magazine. Her kick ass attitude is revealed through her editorial entitled, “You Better Paz Yourself Before You Play Yourself“. Paz is best known for her lead role as Lucy Danziger on Boardwalk Empire.  A major must watch! It’s hard to believe she’s only 27; the beauty began modeling at the young age of 14. The combination of her acting skills and beauty make her a hot threat, so we think she has a bright career ahead of her.

For this Flaunt shoot photog Warwick Saint shot the model-actress in some uber seductive poses that are sinfully stunning. The black and white photography makes her shots even more lust worthy.

See the rest of this editorial on MyFDB and check out Paz working the camera in this behind-the-scenes video for the New York Post.

Professional Editorial Credits:

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