Belgian designer Dirk Van Saene was the first designer to approach the A concept, and did so with a delicate twist, pairing unexpected cultural elements together to fulfill a subtle conceit throughout the pages of NºA. Mingling fashion with art, interior design and social commentary, the issue pushes boundaries that offer new perspectives on what is glamorous and what is mundane.

For this story, Dirk took a turn behind the lens to photograph his longtime friend, Belgian artist Cris Brodahl, known for her surreal collage-based paintings. Taking the season’s haute couture looks from the likes of Givenchy, Chanel and Christian Lacroix, Dirk shot Cris in the privacy of her own home in this intimate series that focuses less on the luxurious garments than on her range of natural, relaxed expressions.

Cris displays a theatrical sense of movement and charisma, heightened by the familiarity of her own surroundings and a friend taking the shots. Her own collection of artworks and unusual objects become backdrops and props for the shoot for a textural play against the black and white dresses – accentuated by close, skewed camera angles.

I admire her personality…

I admire her beauty…

I admire her style…

I admire her talent…

I admire her sense of humour…

I admire Cris Brodahl… for being my friend

- Dirk Van Saene on Cris Brodahl.

Top image: Chanel Haute Couture.

Above: Givenchy Haute Couture, Christian Lacroix Haute Couture.

Above: Chanel Haute Couture.

Above: Balmain Haute Couture.

Above: Christian Lacroix Haute Couture.

Above: Necklace, models own.