The usual setting for still-life product photography that we usually see inside our favorite glossies consists of a controlled environment that lets the product speaks for itself. That does not apply to German-based photographer Mat Hennek. Through his work, Mat Hennek has taken account of nature to be the perfect setting for the beauty of photography – and this is exactly what he has done to celebrate the 190^th anniversary of the Rieussec Chronograph. Unifying nature with our own analogous technology, the timepiece, is the main visual attraction for Mont Blanc’s at the SIHH Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie set in beautiful Geneva this January. This ‘mise en scene’ of Hennek’s photography that was taken in the Swiss Alps, turned out to be a challenge for the photographer who comes fr om Germany. He said “I wanted to show time flowing in landscape with crumbling rocks, flowing waters, petrified wood, moss and soil”. Thus, he created Mont Blanc watches, artistically dipped them in earthy colors and printed their beautiful faces on large scale plates create unique photographs with the watches being part of the landscape above all the changing light. The result: that down-to-earth artistic visual stimulation.

Divided in-to two types of watches, Hand-Wound and Automatic this limited timepieces of the Rieussec Chronograph made exclusively by Mont Blanc which given a touch of art by Ugo Rondinone who produce hypnotic artworks designing the basis of the Mont Blanc star emblem, the artist’s series of magical concentric circles with floating and inspiring colors can be arranged in precise chronological order described as the flowing of the time. Ugo Rondinone’s theme for the chronograph piece was called “DRITTERSEPTEMBERZWEITAUSENUNDZWEI” or simply translated fr om German as Third September Two Thousand and Two depicts the time when Mont Blanc started their art collection for the first occasion. The timepiece that Mont Blanc has included in the Cutting Edge Art Collection literally suspends time to be an extraordinary moment. Every design brings collectors to face up to time and eternity with their own unique visual language.[Images Courtesy of Mont Blanc]

Text By Monivia P

[Show as slideshow]

In the backstage of John Galliano show, this Los Angeles base photographers immortalize the scene like a gorgeous parade of 4 July; the eclectic imagery in Technicolor shade. The blurred faces, the multi-faceted frame instill the joyous nature that we can usually hop right in the carnival or amusement park.  Let us take a deeper analysis, what Mark Leibowitz’s choice in utilizing Technicolor graphics maybe not the first in the industry. But seeing how he amp the colorful scenery with biased focus and light painting into a series of breath taking creations actually quite rare for a Fashion Photographers who as far as we know, pinned to the advertorial like photography, who focused in the sharp shoot and structured lightning. As by this, we could see the progress of Mark Leibowitz as a Fashion photographer, which not only able to deliver shots that draw attention by its provocative pose, but also have the power to create something more than just a photography, a creation we can identify as fine arts. And without a doubt, by seeing his recent shots for LANVIN Paris Fashion show, one can only utter in silence and immersed by the beautiful shots the man captured.[images courtesy of Mark Leibowitz]

[Show as slideshow]

The Namibian raised photographer showcase his latest photography on his personal Behance.net account—a creative professional networking platform— on December 11^th, and we could not to resist to stare longer than what we intend to. Dubbed as Submerged Sorceress, we could see this Berlin Academy student serve what others may find difficult to deliver; fashion photography in an extraordinary environment— this time, in a cold dark pool on a wintry season. To complete the ad-campaign for FRANZIUS latest collection, the young photographer focus his shots using only viable lighting from above the water level, as a result the splash of water and bubbles simply diminish from our eyes, creating an immense darkness that surround the model. The other notable aspect lays in the wavy silk wardrobe from Berlin based designer, Stephanie Franzius. The silky material that the particular dress possess, acts like a dancing violet-colored fins that help the model swim freely, giving a touch of life for the cold atmosphere. The beyond whimsical execution Siedentopf made this time, could be seen as a clear foresight in the industry, one that could bring not only good ideas, but that particular one that can walk the walk and show his capabilities for the world to see and inspire others.

[Show as slideshow]

Kicking things off in Lodz-a city in Poland which resembles Milan in term of fashion and art- the FashionPhilosophy Poland Fashion Week opens a chic ordeal for world to see. Brimming with a passion for fashion, Poland’s most fashionable elites entrap several imminent individuals-amateur and pro alike- to reveal their labor in sewing fabric and scene taking starting October 12. Aside from the merriment attitude of the runway, The Poland Fashion Week centers its cause to finding and nurturing talents to fashion players such as the photographers. Showcasing a photography exhibition of the whiz kids of the industry, the exhibit was dubbed as the Young Fashion Photography exhibition. The event acted as an inauguration for budding photographers to rake fame and acknowledgement in the fashion industry.

Coping some name like Dominik Smialowski who hit the mass with her surreal photography style shown in Wonderland’s Spleen and Tales from the Factory. Her work quite resembles work of Poland’s Mateusz Stankiewicz in term of fashion vibe-with a dash of oddity, of course. Looking on the other side of the lane, Eloise Ash stand with her emotive technique that plays with over exposure, candid angle and black and white field, one might find her work a modern version of France’s own Patrick Demarchelier. Don’t forget about Piotr Debski, who holds another surprise incorporates superb light effect glossed in his glamour photography, while in the back of the coin Magdalena Olek throw a game or two with our consciousness by her dreamy texture and signatories in backlight and fill light. Luring out almost every good thing in photography that one can’t hold to stare for hours, the post processing work and elegant tone wrapped in Justyna Dudek’s style of photography done for The Academy of Mr. Latex -portrays identical vibe with the potent look of the Mert and Marcus influence, giving out interesting value for the ride. There are also notable individuals like Kamil Zacharski, Kataryna Czarnecka, Kosakowski, Sonia Szostak, Yulkam Wilam, Niemodnie.PL that bring the muses to the house by their respective styles. One might consider that this Polish Fashion Week actually define a deeper meaning about what the fashion world give to us, does it just mere inspiration or symbolize the true nature of art which easily slipped between our glance. [image courtesy of image.net]

photos will be shown in this order
Dominik Smialowski, Justyna Dudek, Magdalena Olek, Piotr Debski

[Show as slideshow]

I could do nothing but nods vigorously to express the solid agreement of what my -swanky and sensible – managing director said this morning. The sheer desire about the paradigm alone could really fit into what Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott had been doing for almost two decades. Known from the mid 90′s by their audacious and mind blowing fashion photograph début in Dazed and Confused magazine, there is no model on the face of earth that wouldn’t crave for the little touch of perfection by these undeniable skilled dynamic duo.

Mert and Marcus – the short version of the duo’s name – is none but the herald of the fashion photography; a photo-shoot props, tons of models -sometimes bare naked – and remarkable digital post-processing skills. Like one inspiring note Mert cited, “Life itself inspires us: our dreams, a guy on the street, a movie, a song, our antenna is wide open to receive” could actually indicate how they condense the message into the created space of magazine paper, or murals of ads campaign with unique ideology that portrayed in their works. The domain of light becomes one of the major aspects they mustered well, leaving a quite emotive look to the faces of their objects, with a glance of magnifying idea in the substantial matters, as in skin smoothness, color tone and their signature surreal post processing effect, made a rock-solid potential in advertising value. This set a distinct barrier between the vibrant feel of the late Lady Diana Spencer’s favorite photographer, Mario Testino, or even the with Anne Leibovitz touch in controversial photo like the almost-laboring nude Demi Moore. Originating from Turkey and Wales respectively, the photography duo loves to explore domain of light in their media of choice, resulting as perfect illustration for the word Beauty. Thus, the next things they realize were Posh and Beckham flexing their abs and statuesque silhouette in the front of their lens for Emporio Armani’s underwear ads campaign. Being one of the most influential photographer in the fashion world who had immortalize several crème de la crème – including our queen of pop Madonna – doesn’t grant an everlasting prominence, so one maybe need more than a nuance of Guy Bourdin in the distant future. But seeing the hoarding ads contract and bulking photo shoot proposals; the fire will continues to heat up the face of our beloved fashion industry long enough

[Show as slideshow]

There are endless ways to capture beauty and Make Up For Ever founder, Dany Sanz, not only captures it, she understand it, she surrounds herself by it – Dany Sanz practically lives it. In collaboration with Gerakan Nasional Orang Tua Asuh (GNOTA), Make Up For Ever channels its passion for beauty at the opening ceremony for the Rouge Artist Photography Exhibition for Charity. The event that took place on September 29, in Plaza Indonesia brought together beauty addicts of Jakarta such as Roland Adam, Susan Bachtiar and Sari Nila – who also hosted the event. With the recent launch of the Rouge Artist Intense line of lipstick collection, Make Up For Ever showcased a collection of artwork done by the company founder herself and students from the Make Up For Ever Academy in Paris.

One signed work from Sanz was displayed and later auctioned off in which all proceeds – also from the sale of other works, are donated to the GNOTA Foundation to help the underprivileged children in Indonesia. The charity was selected due to the fact that Make Up For Ever and the GNOTA Foundation wants to nurture on educating girls with a quality education because both parties believes that this would be the key to a brighter future. The event itself was further celebrated by a ‘lip show’. Close friends of Make Up For Ever such as Caroline Zachry, Rahmah Ummaya, Aida Nurmala, Vera Abi and SwankGlossy’s own Gwen Winarno strutted not only their style, but the Rouge Artist Intense colors that are limitless in beautiful possibilities. Winner of the Make Up For Ever Facebook Photo Contest were also present to showcase how beauty is owned in so many different aspects – from a smile to a sexy pout. This is one beautiful event that anybody should be proud in achieving because this proves that beauty is skin deep.

[Show as slideshow]

For the first time in 12 years, Campari broke the grounds of the art of life by unveiling its first ever Campari Man. Known for launching a limited edition annual calendar, Campari has chosen the likes of Eva Green, Salma Hayek and the latest Bond Girl, Olga Kurylenko to star in their flaming hot Campari Calendar. Breaking the tradition, Campari has chosen none other than Academy Award winning Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro to portray the original Campari Man. Del Toro, one of the most revered actors in the 21st century took the role head on – stating it as a challenge that puts him in line with the previous Campari Ladies. “It is an honor to be the first ever Campari Man. I am in good company with the three amigas of previous calendars: Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek, and Eva Mendes.”

The behind the scene look of the Campari Calendar shoot puts him at ease like any other enigmatic role that he has taken on in the past such as Freddy Fenster in The Usual Suspects, Che Guevara in Che, and the role that won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2000 in the movie Traffic, Javier Rodriguez. The photo shoot is helmed by Michael Comte, highly noted photographer with an international repertoire in contemporary photography. The inspiration came from the fact that Benicio del Toro is the quintessential chameleon where the actor can practically play anything. All decked out in suits from Ermenegildo Zegna, The Red Affair tells a cinematic tells a story of a charismatic hero with an intense character and a beautiful damsel to save. According to CEO to Gruppo Campari, for this 150th anniversary of the Campari brand, taking a break from the norm of the bevy of beautiful women by choosing Benicio del Toro, the essence of a true cosmopolitan man will be captured. [Images courtesy of Campari/Imaget.net]

[Show as slideshow]

Hanuk Kim, Fashion Designer turned Party Photographer.

Famous for his energetic and bubbly personality, Hanuk took pictures of everyone and everything each time he went to an event. On February 13, Hanuk debuted his first ever public exhibition, at the Fashion loves collective. This exhibition is a visual diary of his social life, portraying his “work” through the decades of being behind the camera and “documenting” the party with its ever cool and star striking crowd.

The second installation visible to the eyes of the customers was made by Wimo Ambala Bayang that was set on the second floor. A curator informs me that the theme of the décor was jungle, but afterwards, when I finally got the chance to meet the man himself, he said it wasn’t so, but it’s merely a photo studio filled with the devil’s tongue plant, and a dining table set for two in the middle. He says the plant is known for their ability to absorb toxic fume in its surrounding, including nicotine’s. It’s also good to put the devil’s tongue in your workspace-especially next to a PC-as it will absorb the harmful electricity radiation.

The third and last installation was set exclusively at the center of the second floor, at the very end of the venue. The man responsible for this was Keke Tumbuan. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to ask about her inspiration for the wicked installation. Her mini studio is splattered with spilled food and crooked silverware and dining plates hanging from the ceiling.

The art/photography installation is completed with three talented DJs spinning the night away. DJ Dipha’s music was blaring when I entered the venue. And, as the event ended with DJ Onnie’s thumping music, the night ended for me. I went home smiling, holding a no-longer-blank-word-bubble from Albert Judianto’s installation and a thought for buying a devil’s tongue plant to be placed comfortably besides my almost always turned on computer at my messy work desk.