Creating a winning avant-garde image

The team behind a striking avant-garde image explains how it was created...

"The symbolic twisted braiding and intricately woven styling, embracing the body and face, conveys an air of intrigue. With this shot, I wanted to go to the extreme depths of avant garde while retaining an element of beauty. By balancing the hair and focusing on the eyes, it encapsulates a mysterious beauty that exudes strength with some softness."

"This screams seductive intensity. The softened strength of the hair, make-up and lighting provide a powerful contrast to the inner strength that gleams from the focal eye. This is a true collaboration of hairstylist, photographer, make-up artist and model." 

"So often avant-garde collections are focused on elaborate costume-style imagery that appears as though they have been put together without any real meaning. This shot has a simplicity that encapsulates the story behind Benni's inspiration and showcases the intricate design of her hair. The use of the black and white makes it jump out from the page. Stunning."

"The important aspect for me is the lighting. We didn't want the shot too dark and moody - it was about capturing the beauty of the braiding and shadowing on the face. By keeping the backdrop dark but not black, we were able to maintain the softness in the shot. With her eye just peeking out, it makes me want to know more about this mysterious women."