BIG TIME. That’s the only way to describe Vanessa Reid‘s interpretation of Proenza Schouler’s Fall Winter 08 collection for A#9, worn by Belgian supermodel Hanne Gaby Odiele. With her hair slicked back into a boyish quiff by Laurent Philippon, Hanne Gaby is transformed – her ethereal beauty rendered masculine by the dance-hall posing, man-ish accessories by Charvet and the pop-tastic colourful backdrops that photographer Max Farago has incorporated into this larger-than-life shoot.
Showcasing the shimmering sequins, flying furs and shining satins from the collection, Vanessa has taken the key elements of the show and slipped them entirely off-kilter, with a pointed flat shoe, starched dress shirting and bowties. The effect is equal parts Jazz Age and Studio 54 – with the unusual palette of purples, deep greens, chocolate brown and blacks certainly taking 1970s cues – but in contemporary, luxurious fabrics that pull from both strong classical menswear and women’s evening wear traditions.
Pop-art acidic pastel patterns offset the clothing with a bubbly game-show vibe, as though Hanne Gaby beckons the viewer to come join the party. Whether one says yes or not, we can be sure wherever she is, she is having fun.