Stella Tennant in “boy/girl/boy” by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia, July 2016

Photographer: Tim Walker. Model(s): James Crewe, Stella Tennant. Source: Vogue Italia. Stylist: Jacob K. Makeup: Miranda Joyce. Hair: Schon.

Posted Jul 14, 2016

Stella Tennant & James Crewe cross the line in “boy/girl/boy” by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia, July ’16. Art meets fashion in this tender take on androgynous allies. Born to be free ~ gender identification is abolished in this exquisite editorial that extinguishes the line between male & female. Playing the part, girl is boy and boy is girl, in a spinning tale of gender swap. Stylist, Jacob K, sets forth to expand our concept of co-mingling, by rejecting the idea of firm fashion assignments. As a culture we have come a long way in seeking sartorial justice. In our fight to be free we are able to explore a new way to be. Not a rigid reform, rather, a testament to the future of high fashion. Designers give a brand new-view of today’s textiles to include; Bottega Veneta, Carlo Manzi, Céline, Church, Dries Van Noten, Gucci, Nehera, Pierre Mantoux, Prada, Vivienne Westwood (et al). Maison Margiela brings this story to life with blazers, patchwork and oversized knickers, while Christopher Kane creates platforms with strings. Charles Jeffrey of Loverboy captivates with cashmere as Margaret Howell teases with tartan. This is a picture of pure progression. Taking us from a cropped bustier to a crocheted flower-pin, this style saga denies the antiquated rules of dressing etiquette.

Modern makeup mystifies the senses as Miranda Joyce switches the script. Masculine energy erupts off the page ~ as the ferocity of female power fills the stage. Bone structure beguiles with fusion that defies, in a story that has us rethinking the boundaries of beauty. Stella’s skin remains relatively free from “makeup proper,” instead giving us a new view of the shape to come. Brows are the focus with a straight line that completely changes the form of the face. Crossover cosmetics makes the transition complete, with butch style beauty that’s never been so enchanting. The curtain rises as James reveals the secrets to theatrical makeup. Red shadow screams out the side of the eyes, only to be matched by a line drawn down the middle of the mouth. While a daisy dangles from his lips, leaving us to see the substance. Tinges of grey and stripes of rouge hair color bring a symphony of architectural style, as Shon shows the significance of this piece by giving us a full picture of creative coiffure. Allowing us to embrace the unisex vision we get a fuller picture of humanity. We’ve found that true liberation starts with the knowledge that we, as a people, are one. In this truth we believe we have the right to be free. Humanity holds the key. By breaking down the phobic walls we can live in a new tomorrow.

I travel forth to the night divine

sworn in secrets and left in time

aching dreams wash over my mind

as my soul it rides in tenuous kind

my heart hides in the rafters of reality

longing for comfort, longing to be free

poetic prose – tanyajo