Lady Gaga by Ruth Hogben for Elle US October 2013
Photographer: Ruth Hogben. Model(s): Lady Gaga. Source: Elle US. Stylist: Brandon Maxwell. Makeup: Tara Savelo. Hair: Frederic Aspiras.
Posted Sep 21, 2013
Lady Gaga finds her way home in this dreamy editorial by Ruth Hogben for the October 2013 issue of Elle US. Through the foggy mist of possibility beauty finds itself waiting on the doorstep of hope. A stunning work of self-discovery, this poetic piece of fashion photography breaks down the walls of invincibility giving us a side of Gaga we haven’t yet seen. Soft yet daringly vulnerable, this edgy editorial is anything but ethereal, rather, it’s an ardently evocative look beyond her carefully crafted shell of self creation. Brave & beautiful, while I know ArtPop is suppose to be a show of defiance, it is here, where I see true artistic strength. Set at a luxurious private estate outside of New York City, Hogben creates contrasting elements of design using suburban symbolism to capture candid style shots as seen through a series of multi-reflective surfaces. Ripe with a fervent intensity the hypnotic effects inspire a kind of quiet reflection, translating it into a tale of truth & transparency. Tara Savelo brings her to bare with minimal makeup that evokes the essence of her inner-light while still allowing the purity of her bold nature to come through. Deconstructing Gaga, Lady in Waiting or just another in a long line of chameleon characters, with a stellar mix of styles by Brandon Maxwell and exquisite head-pieces by Frederic Aspiras I’d say this transformation is complete.