Why flowers change colour
Why flowers change colour is an editorial that alludes to the ever-changing state of items as fashion magazines we keep in our homes, hesitant to throw away due to the value they hold (often emotional). This story, created in the classic fashion genre, introduces the subtle lights and shadows and plays around the contrasting looks of two models, Ajok and India, who also come to enhance one another's style. The printed images were given a new form and life by replicating the actual usage an average consumer has, going through the photographs, touching the paper, and affecting its physical shape and quality. The opportunity to view and experience the story as if it has been there before and just by chance was discovered now adds value and allows us to contemplate on the idea of time.
We speak with Rossella Damiani, the photographer of the story, about the process and the idea behind the shoot. Rossella describes the concept of working with altering states of the paper to change the final result. “I printed a selection of pictures, travelled to another country with them, and started to slowly alter their original state.“ — Rossella explains.
Photography by Rossella Damiani Creative Direction Naia Imaz Styling Mia Caplan MUA Saaya Toshiro Talents Ajok Deng at Tess management India Tuersley at Tess management Post Production Rossella Damiani Fashion Aloïse Mahé-Stevenson Anastasia Bull Florentina Leitner Florentina Leitner X Naomi Hille Yáng yáng
‘Bold colours were chosen and used in monochromatic looks, while others were more simple yet striking in form. This was also replicated in the makeup looks, where red eyebrows were added for the red look but removed for others.’
Why flowers change colour is a fashion story inspired by well-loved high fashion magazines kept by people worldwide. They may be used as coffee table books or displayed on a bookshelf forever as they are too precious to throw away. Over time they become damaged and stained as many people view them. This aspect of decay and transformation inspired us to experiment with paper, light, and materials.
The title alludes metaphorically to this alteration. I recently worked with the set designer and florist, Alexander Young, who told me that by changing the soil to be more acidic or alkaline, you could actually change the color of the flower itself. This works only with Hydrangeas. I found this extremely fascinating and realised there were many visible similarities between flowers and paper. Both could change colour and state, naturally or artificially.
The styling included lots of volume and shape to add dimension. Bold colours were chosen and used in monochromatic looks, while others were more simple yet striking in form. This was also replicated in the makeup looks, where red eyebrows were added for the red look but removed for others. We chose two very different profiles for this story that complement each other very well. Ajok wears more naive and delicate colors, which go along with her sweet features. India, on the other hand, conveys intensity and passion.
‘What made the difference was forgetting about the pictures after the shoot. It’s such a contradiction during these times, where most of the content is made to be shared.’
In terms of aesthetics, we wanted to appeal to a more typical high fashion image emulating a classic view of this. The lighting is soft to portray that feeling of comfort and playfulness, a safe place where creativity and ideas are exchanged.
What made the difference was forgetting about the pictures after the shoot. It’s such a contradiction during these times, where most of the content is made to be shared. This approach gives you time and space to reflect, appreciate more, or even realise the project doesn’t work. I printed a selection of pictures, travelled to another country with them, and started to slowly alter their original state. The photographs became my magazines; I looked at them several times, thinking about different aspects: styling, makeup, lighting, and poses. I chose to play with their natural decay process and then added water, coffee, oil, sanitizer, paint, and makeup (materials that are part of my routine).
