My Cowgirl Hero, Indeed

I actually really like this editorial. Even though I had my reservations in the last post, and even though Freja is still stuck playing the role of the androgynous tough girl, this is a really beautifully shot editorial. Solve Sundsbo has a talent for creating very striking images. I love his use of tonality and shading to create this very mysterious vibe, all while spotlighting the clothes that really do have a western cowgirl feel to them (except maybe for the Balmain dress). For a studio shoot, this editorial is completely engaging and far from boring, even though it is a bit cliche in terms of Freja's oeuvre.

My Cowgirl Hero
Vogue Nippon July 2009
Ph: Solve Sundsbo

I'd really like to see these images in color. Even though I love black and white photography, when it comes to fashion spreads I can't help but feel that an important dimension is taken away from the clothes when they're only shot in b&w. And I wish Solve had shot this on location somewhere. Perhaps the location where he shot this editorial would have also been apropos for this one, non? Anyway, this is definitely one of Freja's strongest editorials in a while, but I just hope it isn't the sole indicator of what we can expect to see from her work wise in the upcoming months. I'm just waiting for someone to give her the chance to show off her softer side once again. That being said, it is weird that my favorite image from the editorial is this one?

It's such a soft, quiet, introspective moment. Seemingly out of place when compared to the other images where Freja is posing strongly and glaring at the camera. Maybe that's why I love it. It's unexpected and simple, yet beautifully and precisely composed. I also love it because you can see five of her tattoos, some of which we've never seen clear images before. The dashed circle behind her ear, the inverted triangle on the back of her neck, the lightning bolt on her side, the phrase on her arm, and the "mine" part of the "this world tonight is mine" phrase tattooed on her wrist. For the longest time I just thought it said "this world tonight." And don't you just love how the triangle tattoo is echoed by the triangle on the strap of the Hermes vest? Intentional or not, that's just so beautiful.

Anyway, huge thanks to MAGstyle at tFS for taking the time to make these beautiful scans. If you're a member of tFS, remember to thank him and to thank all those that scan. It's a tough job and they're generous enough to do it.

Image Credits: Scanned by tFS member MAGstyle

Solve Sundsbo

Freja has an editorial in the new issue of Vogue Nippon shot by Solve Sundsbo. I'm excited to see this because Freja's past work with Solve has been outstanding. I believe she's only shot two editorials with him, but both have been full of beautiful images. No mundane studio shots here, as Solve likes to shot on location with an emphasis on colors against a more muted backdrop. You can see one of his editorials here. And while we're waiting for images from the new editorial, I thought I'd post the other one as well.

Brights
Harper's Bazaar March 2008
Ph: Solve Sundsbo

Just in case you're wondering, Solve is Norwegian but he has been living in London since 1995. He used be an assistant to Nick Knight, and he is known for a highly manipulated, technical style. He dabbles in things such as 3-D scanning and x-rays on the one side, and hand-painted retouching on the other. The new editorial he shot with Freja is titled My Cowgirl Hero, and I can only imagine what visual gems we'll get from that.

Image Credits: Scanned by Luxx @ tFS

Art of Melancholy

Huge, huge thank you to tFS member nothingless for getting HQs of this old editorial. I had been looking for high quality images for a long time without any luck, and nothingless was generous and kind enough to help me out by getting the images from art+commerce.

Art of Melancholy
Vogue Nippon March 2008
Ph: Solve Sundsbo

This is one of my favorite editorials featuring Freja. The vibe of the shoot is just so alluring. Maybe it's her glistening skin or the vibrant colors of the clothes against the homogeneous desert backdrop. But the images absolutely pull you in. Can't you just feel the sun's rays radiating down on your skin? Can't you feel the dry and dusty desert air whip around the beads of sweat forming on your neck? The isolationism often associated with this harsh landscape is perfectly captured here with the eerily decrepit setting and long shadows. Add to this mix Freja's brooding stare and nonchalant body language and you really have the art of melancholy.

Image Credits: art+commerce via tFS member nothingless