Words and Images: 'Exposure' by Jeff Chang
Exposure
Jeff Chang’s concept for this spread started with Man Ray’s solarised photographs, various double exposure shots from the ’40s, and other examples of light manipulation. During the shoot, he fixated on the other meaning of the word “exposure” – a revealing of something secret – the model’s legs through the sheer fabric, her bare back, her almost uncovered torso. But instead of vulnerability, he captured her strength and defiance despite (or because of?) her exposure. “After World War II, the world needed something to lift its spirits. Dior’s New Look was the answer then and it was accompanied by simple yet powerful imagery. We’re living in a pessimistic time now, so we need to boost fashion similarly by portraying strong women. That way, we keep a positive outlook of the future,” Chang explains. And just like that, we had shifted from light to strength to politics.
Styling Allysha Nila
Hair and Makeup Hongling Lim using La Biosthetique and Chanel Beauty
Photography Assistant Cynthia Ng
Model Li Jiao / AVE Management
1) Cotton and chiffon embroidered dress with sequins, calf leather Poker Face boots, and satin gold Parure Coquillages cuffs, Louis Vuitton.
2) Cotton knit top, wool bralet and canvas skirt with leather details, Bottega Veneta.
Brass and pearl Tribale earrings, Dior.
3) Jersey dress; brass and pearl earrings, Céline.
4) Wool bralet, Bottega Veneta.
Calf leather pants with harness, Céline.
Calf leather Poker Face boots, Louis Vuitton.
Brass and pearl Tribale earrings, Dior.
5) Tulle and lace top, Dior.
