LURVE MAGAZINE x A.F. VANDEVORST

Tehila: T-shirt - SS 05, Pleated Dress (worn as skirt) - SS 08, Boots - FW 09 / Robin: Lace Tank - SS 05, Black Skirt - FW, 08Boots - FW 09

A.F. Vandevorst Archive Shoot for LURVE Magazine

One of the most exciting projects that I worked on with LURVE was a shoot featuring the designers A.F. Vandevorst, after their spectacular SS10 collection. Cameron (stylist) and I thought it would be interesting to explore the label's archives for the shoot in order to represent their 12 years of design that have led up to where they are now. Since the beginning, there have always been touches of strict tailoring mixed with slight fetishism - whether it be a leather trench coat held together by rivets, a necklace appearing to have bones and pearls strung together, or a powder blue silk dress with an attached nun's veil in place of a hood.

Knowing that the label was based in Antwerp, we were not sure that access to AF's archives was even feasible, but thanks to Corinna and Michael at Nouveau PR and the generous cooperation of the AF team, we were able to bring the concept to fruition. I couldn't be more thankful to everyone who was involved! The shoot can be seen in the current issue of LURVE Magazine which is out in stands right now.

Photographer: Zana Bayne (http://www.zanabayne.com)
Stylist: Cameron Cooper (http://www.cameroncooper.net)
Hair: Danilo Omo (http://www.daniloomo.com)
Makeup: Gregory Alan (http://www.ididthehair.com)
Models: Robin Faulkner (New York Models), Tehila Rich (ONE)

All Pieces SS 10

All Pieces SS 10

Dress - SS 07, Necklace - FW 05

Military Uniform Bustier - FW 04, Black Jodphurs - FW 09, Puffer Gloves - FW 08

Jumpsuit - SS 08, Sheer Shorts - SS 01, Spats & Boots - FW 09

Hat - FW 08, Pearl Necklace - FW 05, Cape - FW 08, Shirt - FW 09, Skirt - FW 09, Shoes - SS 10

Both tops - SS01

AF VANDEVORST FW10 BACKSTAGE

Going to A.F. Vandevorst was my top priority for Paris affairs. An & Filip have mastered understated sensuality and casual fetishism with clothing for the past 12 years. I came to truly understand the breadth of their influence while working on a story for LURVE Magazine (now out!) featuring pieces from both their SS10 collection as well as clothing from their past archives.

The FW10 collection is a natural progression from their past two seasons, beginning with uniforms of monochromatic camel tones, slightly militaristic slightly skinlike. The more structured fabrics were accented by rivets, giving them the appearance of armor. The sleeves on pullovers continued down to the fingers with attached gloves. One black sweater in particular featured a knitted back panel resembling a harness. The colors progressed from burnt burgundy to mixed reds, with one silk shirt in fuchsia. The black pieces in the show featured the season's object theme: Chalk. Silk dresses with chalk drawings as a pattern, jackets that appeared to be pinstriped, but upon closer inspection were simply trompe l'oeil with chalk lines. The delicate touch of the hand in A.F. Vandevorst's work and integration of the taboo into the tailored is what makes me love what they do, and this season is no different.

Preview of the A.F. Vandevorst story for LURVE Magazine, photographed by myself, styled by Cameron Cooper. More soon!