Sweet Freedom

Caroline has a forthcoming editorial in January 2011's Vogue Russia! Titled "Это сладкое слово свобода" (translates literally to "This sweet word, freedom"), it's a set of 9 black and white shots by photographer Anthony Maule. The shoot was styled by Geraldine Saglio.

I am glad to see The Brasch getting some more editorial work, because goodness knows the girl needs some (and deserves some too, I reckon). At best, this is mediocre work, but keeping in mind that Caroline is still very inexperienced, that is only to be expected. In fact, I was expecting a bit worse to be perfectly honest, so this is more of a pleasant surprise than a let down. 

We have some repetitive facial expressions, and posing is less variable than I might like, but there's no denying that she looks stunning. The second picture actually reminds me of an ed of Kate Moss I saw recently... I'll edit this post when I remember where that one came from. The seventh one... well, it's a classic pose, and she's looking very high fashion. But all seriousness aside, is that not what you would do if you found yourself decked out in harem pants? Yeah, I thought so. 

Of the set, my personal favorite is the fourth though. There are so many different ways to interpret the emotion on her face; it's like one of those optical illusions where looking at it one way shows you two faces staring at each other, while another view shows a single face peering from behind a candlestick. In this case, paying attention to different features on the face allows you to infer myriad of messages. Sometimes she looks displeased, others skeptical, and on occasion, there is a faint smile... or is it a smirk? 

Overall, I give this editorial two thumbs for effort, one for execution. And an honorable mention to Saglio for her styling on the shoot... I don't remember the last time I saw such minimalism in Vogue Russia. I wonder if that's what the title refers to? Minimalism is plain, but in its basicness it is functional and unhindering. Whereas the tendency of the Russian styling is to be extremely decorative, furry and the like. If this appeared anywhere else, I would probably say the editors were trying to express freedom in life and emotion through wardrobing, but everyone knows the Russian views on the nature of oppression (Hint: it is constant and never ends. If you need proof, the Russian verb for 'to oppress' has no past tense conjugation. I know right, bleak.). Perhaps this explains Caroline's expressions and posing, which at times look heavy and labored? Ohhhhh those Russians...

Photos courtesy of tFS user shely