Grace Coddington

‘Alice in Wonderland’, containing many iconic symbols, has been taken on by many different photographers/stylists, as inspiration for work. Annie Leibovitz’s shoot for Vogue in December 2003 is a good example of how narrative photography can be interpreted in more high-end fashion magazines. Figure 6 is my favourite image from the shoot as it displays the narrative well whilst at the same being elegant, remembering its place in a high-end fashion editorial. As in my image, it is set in a natural outdoor environment taking full advantage of the natural lighting. Lit from behind, this makes for a far more subdued lighting effect contrasting to the vivacity found in my photograph - it is arguable that this makes for a more sophisticated outlook. The photo is also sophisticated in its styling approach, the iconic blue dress featured in the original narrative is still visible yet presented in a far more mature, (but costly!) elegant form. The bow in her hair depicts a youthful quality however the high heeled shoes show contrasting connotations of a far more sophisticated figure. Designer of the dress worn in the photo shoot, Jean Paul Gaultier, is also featured. Adorned in red and white stripes, and the huge smile of the Cheshire cat, he is found sitting in a tree looking down on Alice (Natailia Vodianova). His presence in the photograph is an interesting element of this shoot as rarely the designer would be featured along side his or her own creations, espaeciallly in the form of a fairytale character. Grace Coddington (artistic director at Vogue and stylist on this shoot) often tries to force Vogue out of it’s artistic comfort zones; broadening its demographic audience thus widening its appeal to readers looking for a more alternative editorial experience. Quoted by Anna Wintour (editor of American Vogue) as being “a magician”, Grace Coddington creates a cross over between avant-guard vivacity and high-end elegance; figure 7 proves most effective in doing this. Taken from this same shoot as well the photo draws many links with my work, its vivid colours used, styling and prop design, in particular the pink flamingos, best showcases this genius cross over Coddington successfully creates. The witty choreography of the models; (as well as a cross dressing John Galliano, as the Queen of hearts) is an aspect that would never normally be placed in a serious Vogue editorial. Natalia Vodianova is yet again styled in the iconic blue dress, which has again been transformed into an haute couture creation by fashion giant, John Galliano.