Beauty and Fashion – Industry Shifts?
I’m looking in the mirror – and I’m thinking – the beauty and fashion industry shifts are so puzzling. It is spring/summer 2016 and I am in Milan. Indeed, it is not the first (and it won’t be the last) time that I get to this giant player – one of the top 3 – in the world. Furthermore, as an insider, my conscientious background allows for a thoughtful recognition. Nevertheless, as I pack my bags and equipment for a photoshoot scheduled at 9:00am at a villa in the periphery of the County of Milan, I close my eyes and breathe. Now, I open my eyes and I say to myself – focus inward, relax and breath out. I recite: “A lot has changed, the system, the players, even myself… just focus and do the job”.
Prior to this specific shoot, the five-month “Tour d’Italie” – which I kept on referring to – had included an ongoing run of commercial, editorial and runway gigs. Truly, my job was hard to define. From production to backstage and behind the scenes photography… an apprentice on the mechanics of an industry in which I once was the focal subject matter – 20 years prior – from age 21 to 26. With this in mind, we find ourselves onset. Indeed, the key stakeholders are there. Producer, photographers, assistants, make-up and hair artists, stylist and of course the model.
Important to realize, the roles and functions have not changes. Indeed, the faces have changes… and without a doubt the personality or soul may have shifted. Even of those that you once knew! However, focusing on photographing the subject matter, I can’t help to experience an enlightening moment. Watching a twenty-something Brazilian model – with a striking physique and a strong yet soft face –transform into a 60’s Italian-film bombshell is indeed cathartic.
