032c Magazine

Photographer: Collier Schorr. Model(s): Bella Hadid. Source: 032c. Stylist: Mel Ottenberg. Makeup: Dick Page. Hair: Holli Smith.

Posted May 23, 2017

Bella Hadid delivers and ode to the era of grit and glam in “Us Vs. Them” by Collier Schorr for 032c Magazine, Summer 2017. Bella settles into seduction as she emulates a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Portraying a tough chick from Pittsburgh, Jennifer Beals made us fall in love with her tough wit and determination, forging a unity of female soldiers ready to fight for freedom. United in spirit centered in salvation ~ this is a story that celebrates female strength. Bella becomes Beals, in this awesome tribute to the 1983 phenomenon known as Flashdance. A film that meshed the beauty of ballet with the soul of the street. To truly appreciate this tale one must open themselves to the art of dance. Jennifer was hard enough to bend steal, but when it came to opening up she all but shut down. A brave take on the character of Alex. A no-bullsh** girl (sound familiar), fighting hard to find herself. An ode to the art of overexposure. To give yourself away is to alter your course of creativity. Many believe that there is nothing more natural than exposing yourself. I think, however, those whom overshare are the ones most at risk. I know, it’s just the world we live in, right? But, I feel at our core we long to be surprised. Mel Ottenberg brings forth a series of body conscious fashions that play like a second character in a scenic scenario. A story teaming with cinematic flare. The cinema of high styles shows itself as we explore the beauty of all black. With the lack of color one might think this would be a limited story, but instead, the focused palate keeps us on our toes.

Bella emulates the movement of Beals by giving herself freedom to feel. Fabrics kiss her body like a long, lost lover seeking shelter from the storm. This is clothing that looks to find every open crevice and hidden hole, as she wears a daring array of black leotards and body conscious couture. The bathing suit bottom comes together, held by two buckles that sit high on her hip bones, as Lycra slides over the body like a second skin. Hadid has the incredible ability to be both accessible and highly standoffish. And here, There is Something in the Way She Moves... Excuse the familiar wording, but it’s just too obvious. Not drowning in dirty or riddled with disdain, Bella brings forth a natural state of dark. What gives this girl real edge is an underlying river of sarcasm that flows through her. A position that can leave her looking a bit intense, but, on closer examination you’ll witness her twisted charm. Seething with sarcasm, this kind of creative reverie requires a level of unique distinction. That’s to say, to distinguish yourself in any real way requires that you have a deep and real understanding of what moves you. If we could inspire more people to mimic the music of their own mind, we could escape the manic madness of social media. The confines of which I call a ~ Pretty Prison. It’s time to veer off the path of copying and begin to ignite independence. We have gotten to a point where originality has been obliterated… literally… The Redo is Dead. There is a time and place for copying, mimicking and replaying – but now is not that. It’s time to crawl inside our head and cuddle up with our own native creativity…. It’s time to be the innovators of our own mind.

Bella bares a blank expression, while Dick Page lets the mystery of her naked makeup take hold. Black/White provide a compelling contrast leaving us with a moody mix of light and dark. Soft features don’t betray her brazen attitude, as bold beauty illuminates her skin, working features over and letting light flood in. Her eyes are alive with an unknown spirit. driving us toward a series of change. Her tenacity is apparent as Page proves that opposites do attract. I call it a light hand with a heavy touch. His power is projected through his intention, using the strength of her face as a statement of grace. The eyes are lined in a shade of grey, transforming into a dark, brooding hue. Nude lips are kissed with a hint of tint looking on us with a sensuous glow. Holli Smith captures the chaos of the original Flashdance dew, as retro beauty mimics the imagery inspired by her naturally curly hair. Sitting on an old chest, in a white tank and leather pants, we can feel her spirit fly free. When the images get gritty, that’s what represents the inner fire that can’t be controlled. I see Bella in liquid form. Her body is so intense I really believe it has a mind all it’s own. Wearing a black bikini and shades to match, she holds a long chain with a hook attached to weighted cinder blocks. The art of extreme is caught in a dream as all things go quiet in the state of extreme.

United in spirit centered in salvation this is a story that celebrates female strength. The beauty of brooding becomes taking on the challenge to artfully succumb. Dark and light collide as Beals plays the dove bursting above the sky while Bella becomes a spirited warrior wafting beyond the mind’s eye. Evocative energy erupts over the page as all things go silent in the center of rage. Branded in beauty borne in truth the fire of the female spirit is alive and inspired. Gone are the days of women waiting to be told how to feel or what to say. The righteous blood of our sisters are sewn in the strength of spirit, as we are as one of a noble tribe of warriors. To be a female is a gift given to those of us capable to rise forth and fight for our rights. Through the fabric of femininity we find our true selves.   poetic prose – tanyajo