My One True Love

It began early in my life, as an impish youth who was given too many fashion magazines at too young an age (10!). It wasn't a love that grew from cold-shoulder tops or high waisted shorts, but rather for the pictorial spreads that engulfed the magazines. By 15, I was taking as many photography courses in high school as I could, first learning the "how to" only to start branching out to my own "fashion shoots" by senior year.

In the past few years, I've fallen out of sorts from photography, sadly. My access and time for the darkroom has become non-existent, as have my chances to play impromptu fashionista photographer with my friends. I recently came across this ad campaign for Miu Miu, featuring Kristen Dunst.

Simply stated, it took my breath away.











Now, I understand this set has been posted all over the place, but frankly I could care less about that. This set is provocative and thoughtful for me, and I thought I'd share some of that process.

Things I love about this:

While not a particular fan of Dunst, I think she was perfectly suited for this ad series. She has a combination of youthfulness and sensuality that contradict one another beautifully.

The clothes are magnificent (particularly the white dress with black and red stripes; that I may have to replicate on my own), and there isn't a pair of shoes I wouldn't wear.

I love the visual allusions. This series reminds me of several things: the David Lynch series Twin Peaks & Agent Cooper's dreams of the White Lodge; a lascivious carnivalesque-circus theme; a modernization of Old Hollywood glamor photography mixed with pin-up photography; Alice in Wonderland.

The dramatic use of color and lines as emphasized by the use of strong and bold lighting. Visually, I could stare at these for hours, noticing small and new details with every passing second.