Flaunt Magazine

When looking for Fashion Editorials to inspire me, I stumbled across this fantastic shoot of Leighton Meester for 'Flaunt Magazine'. Photographed with the novel 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' as an inspiration, the seventies inspired shoot graced the cover of Flaunt Magazine in November 2012.

Donning the iconic Vidal Sassoon 'bob', Meester is seen cosying up to another female form. This shot is something that I found extremely interesting, the positioning of the two women and the use of black and white in Post Production has created a heavy and sexual shot. There is a feeling of lust about the shot but the way the model touching Meester is positioned, facing away from the reader creates a sense of mystery.

I was mostly drawn to the lighting of this shot. The over exposed Post Production that has been added to this shot is something that drew my eye. The subtle connotations of religion with the jewellery lying on the floor, crosses strewn across the carpet are something which I feel has been executed very well. This subtle styling and creative composition of the shot are something which I would like to play around with when it comes to storyboarding my three chosen moments/shots.

Marie Claire Turkey

Photographed by Ayten Alpun for Marie Claire Turkey, this collection of images offers the reader an exciting combination of sexuality, seduction, mystery, drama and sin. Models Anna, Viola and Ozlem pose as deeply religious figures. Through the shots it becomes apparent that the characters being portrayed by the models are highly tempted by religious sins. The pictures tell a story of sin and regret  through the use of sweeping gowns, monochromatic colours and luxurious femenine lace.

I was particularly drawn to this shot as it showcases the temptation that Jess experiences when she meets Melanie. The styling of dark, sexual garments and provocative composition of the shot alludes to the theme of sin and presents the homosexual nature of the shot as dark and sinful, yet highly sexual. 

 The makeup in the above shot is exquisite. Again, I was drawn to the pale, luminous skin and the flawless appearance of the face. The eyes are the focal point of this shot. Shaped and shaded with browns and ochres, the eyes burn into the reader and create a dark, mysterious and extremely sexual feel to the shot. The eyes appear to be lined with a dark brown, black which has narrowed the eyes and allowed the fresh blue of the model's iris to pop out.

Kate Moss Fashion Bible

When researching fashion images, I came across the cover spread for 'W Magazine' that Kate Moss had graced, named 'Spring's Fashion Bible'. I was in awe of the composition, the styling and the makeup that had been created for the various looks throughout the shoot. Shot by Steven Klein, W Magazine offer the reader the choice of a saintly or sinful protagonist.

I chose to include these shots as I felt that the simplicity of the makeup was extremely inspiring. I fell in love with the use of blood red lips in the above shot, and the almost sexual nature that this evokes. The dark red juxtaposes the almost virginal white of Kate's skin and teamed with the luxurious black lace, creates a dark and austere shot.

I was drawn to the shot above for the luminous skin that has been created. The face has been flawlessly highlighted to create an angelic and glowing look. I found this extremely inspiring and think that it may be something that I come to consider when creating the makeup looks for my  shoots.

I was particularly drawn to the styling of this shot. The contrast between the connotations to what is universally known as a Nun's attire sand the overtly sexual, PVC material are a styling choice that instantly intrigued me. Perhaps this could be a way of conveying the religious themes of 'Oranges are Not the Only Fruit' whilst also expressing the highly sexual nature of my chosen character, Jess.