Anna Selezneva Smolders in ‘Rituel’ by Iain McKell for Numéro #142

Photographer: Iain McKell. Model(s): Anna Selezneva. Source: Numéro Magazine. Stylist: Rebecca Bleynie. Makeup: Morgane Martini / Laurent Philippon.

Posted Apr 08, 2013

Facing the Winter of her discontent, Anna Selezneva performs a ‘Rituel’ of letting go in Iain McKell’s daringly, dark editorial for Numéro #142. Following the pain of yesterday to the baron, wasteland of today, she stands alone, on the frigid ground of fragile hope surrounded by the finality of lost love. Garbed in avant-garde mourning wear, (stylist) Rebecca Bleynie captures the spirit of empowered enlightenment, with a series of creative couture. Burning the past to light the way for the future, the symbolic clouds of black smoke burn in brutal effigy, only to break away in hopeful flight. Firing a flame of eternal optimism, McKell’s awe-inspiring imagery is a moving tribute to the beauty of transformation. An expressive piece of ceremonial artistry, Selezneva leaves in a blaze of glory, walking away a free woman.   Image Source (visual optimism).