A#8 is a book of beauties – strong, powerful women whose lives and work have enchanted Riccardo Tisci so much so that they epitomise and mythologise his ideal Givenchy woman.  From his proclaimed muse the Italian model Mariacarla Boscono and icy Russian beauty Sasha Pivovarova to French actresses Emmanuele Seigner, Beatrice Dalle and Lou Doillon, each woman holds a strikingly different character – none could be labelled as classic beauties, instead all holding an alluring mystique. Striking features, aggression and passion in their eyes, they all become characters in Riccardo’s dark Givenchy fairytale.

Mariacarla Boscono

Above, captured by Theo Volpatti, Mariacarla Boscono stares questioningly into the lens, seemingly immersed in a geometric kaleidoscope of barb-like decorations, her Givenchy dress disappearing into the backdrop.

“Maria Carla has always been my muse, Now she’s become the muse of Givenchy. She is my Audrey Hepburn, but I cannot really say it like that.” – Riccardo Tisci.

Sasha Pivovarova

Sasha Pivovarova messes her blonde locks in a spidery black dress, as John-Paul Pietrus‘ sepia toned and dog-eared image sends her back in time to a bygone era of romanticism.

Emmanuelle Seigner

The calm, poise and playfulness of age and experience shows in Emmanuelle Seigner,  wife of controversial director Roman Polanski, as she sits for her portrait with Karim Sadli in heavily graphic printed Givenchy suiting. Her mouth is open and eyes wide yet her posture is relaxed, at once both static and ready for action.

Beatrice Dalle

Sadli’s diversity is proven in this image to the last, as actress Beatrice Dalle shows fierce intensity. With petal-like ears, Dalle is transformed into a strong animal spirit that resonates through her locked jaw, piercing dark eyes and the atmosphere of high wind and the elements through her tousled hair.

Lou Doillon

Here Jane Birkin’s rockstar daughter seems somewhat more demure and resigned than usual, her eyes down and mouth pouted in a more sombre mood than such a party dress should inspire. Her rebellion lies in the glimpse of tattoo that wraps around her arm, and vampish kohl black eyeshadow. She is sexy yet subdued.