Ben Macri
Iconic fashion moments often make us stop and wonder at the fantasies they offer us; most often they are not based in realism, but they do reflect something of our culture. In this series I have explored fashion photography from a traditional lens, as a push back to the current photographic discourse around fashion which is an aesthetic that relies on a 'natural', 'grungy' and ‘cool' cultural commentary.
What I love about fashion photography is the fantasy of its glamour and beauty as a form of escapism from the realities of the world. In this series the fashion items, the models and I collaborate to explore a style of fashion filled with warmth and beautiful vibes.
Although my work is heavily inspired by publications such as Vogue, my work also relies on the strong connections I have to the people I collaborate with. Creating work during a pandemic has made me realise just how important it is for me to make such connections, especially with those I photograph.
Untitled, 2020
Digital photograph