Powerhouse fashion photogs Inez and Vinoodh speak out on underage models (and Daria poses for YSL)
After an influx of underage models, it’s a refresher to see some older talent in campaigns and editorials. The Fall Louis Vuitton ads feature a trio of supermodels well out of their teens (Natalia Vodianova, 28, Karen Elson, 31, and Christy Turlington, 41), while the 39-year-old Kirsten Owen made a triumphant appearance on the Joe Fresh runway at LG Fashion Week in Toronto.
Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin recently photographed Mississauga’s own Daria Werbowy, who at 26 is hardly geriatric, but certainly not a kid, for Yves Saint Laurent’s fall campaign, which features her elegantly perched at the bottom of a lavish staircase. Looking at the adverts it’s no mystery why the pair now refuse to photograph anyone under the age of 18--a move they made about five years ago.
“We feel that the modelling business should not promote girls working under this age. They’re not out of school - they’re bodies haven’t developed yet and they don’t have a sense of self. Sometimes they haven’t had sex yet. It’s hard to project all these things on someone who hasn’t had that experience,” the Dutch photogs said of their preference for more mature mannequins.
Indeed, the all-grown-up Daria exudes a glamourous sophistication that would be tough for a 15-year-old to emulate. And really, who wants to retire after her 30th birthday?
Check out the images below to see the ads.
Daria for YSL [Vogue UK]
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