Many people love animals whether they are their own pets or completely wild animals in the countryside. For wild animals in particular, people carry the imposed ‘guilt’ if any species is doing badly, invariably because it’s ‘our’ fault in some way. Interest in animal welfare understandably extends to those farmed animals that will eventually end up as part of a tasty meal. As someone who enjoys their pork, I will buy it only from a responsible source.
The fashion industry has long been a target for animal welfare campaigners, the fur trade justifiably being cited as distasteful and demeaning. Even though there is still work to do, it’s not to say that the industry as a whole has this attitude. Certain designers and houses use fashion shoots that actively incorporate animals as part of the staging and have officials on site to ensure their welfare. Taking it further, celebrities often take part in fashion shoots that deliberately act as a publicity campaign, raising awareness of animal cruelty in the industry.
But when it comes to awesome fashion shoots, having a majestic wild animal or two in shot certainly draws the eye. There’s something deeply spiritual about sharing a scene with an elephant or a big cat. Little wonder that our ancestors worshipped and deified these beasts.
Just remember that the next time you’re tucking into a succulent bacon sandwich while enjoying a leaf through the pages of Vogue.
Starting low-key, I picked this shot featuring one of our own iconic British animals, the barn owl. The pale face on both ‘models’ is typical of the make-up artist to ensure good contrast with the apparel.
Back in 2009, the Korean edition of Vogue carried a ‘fairytale’ theme for its December issue culminating in the Wild Swans shoot.
Celebrated actress, Julianne Moore, reprised her role as the face of Bvlgari for their Autumn/Winter 2010/11 campaign. Mert Atlas and Marcus Piggiot added these great pics to their portfolio when they carried out a fashion shoot for handbags and jewellery involving a naked Ms Moore and a selection of trained wild animals.
And just this month, Kirsten Dunst also joined Mert and Marcus for Bvlgari announcing their latest fragrance Mon Jasmin Noir (My Black Jasmine – have all the good scent names been taken?) Have Julianne Moore’s grown up? No, I think it’s a different lion too! Photoshopping advertising pictures is, of course, common practice – but I would have liked the lion to look more like it was really behind her.
Heading out of the studios for some really awesome pics, let me introduce you to the model, Chanel Iman, taking part in the German edition of Vogue. Wearing Minnie Mouse ears and a fabulous high contrast dress, Chanel, an elephant and a sunbaked, wind weathered tree trunk counterpoint each other perfectly with an amazing juxtaposition of style and form.
Here is Chanel again still sporting the Minnie Mouse ears but with a different outfit from the same collection.
Erik Almas is quoted as saying the inspiration for this ‘Wild at Heart’ diorama takes aspects of 1930’s paintings, taxidermy animals and the modern woman to create an amalgam of the fairytale and the mythological muse’. The aim of this composition is to conjure a narrative of a heroine in tune with Mother Nature who can live among bears and command their respect. It’s just a shame the bear was stuffed and she doesn’t look that regal.
Gunther Deichmann was concerned with news of a camel cull in Australia that he arranged an impromptu fashion shoot in Rainbow Valley, Central Australia. The cull was deemed necessary to reduce the impact these imported animals were doing to the environment.
Here’s yet another actress showing her passion for wildlife and beauty. Kate Hudson and hairstylist, David Babaii, have an innovative line in hair products where 10% of the proceeds go to WildAid, a charitable foundation that aims to halt the illegal trade of wild animals.
This next image, a spectacular use of an atmosphere of oppressive storm clouds coupled with a specially lit foreground subject is really beautiful. It was taken by photographer, Kenvin Pinardy on an Indonesian shore.
These next two images in colour and monochrome were taken in the Beijing Wild Animal Park with tiger cubs. Is featuring a giraffe print coat good taste though?
Humour can also play a part in a good wild animal fashion shoot too. This one is for Diesel.
And finally…
Here we have Allison, modelling for the ‘Exotic Birds Shoot’ as photographed by Tyra Banks. Just goes to show what happens when the photographer, director and company get their creative wires crossed…
‘Awesome Wild Animal Fashion Shoots’ written by guest blogger, Greg Coltman.
