Into The Night

As the shadows fall, as the artificial lights turn on and as mystery deepens in the shadows, so fashion stalks the streets. From Helmut Newton and Yves Saint Laurent to this shoot, from Film Noire to old photographs, we love the narrative of glamour and the dark, we are fascinated by beautiful women and unsolved stories. We love the diva in the spotlight, be it streetlamps, car headlamps, or the glare of a spotlight, even the wavering beam of a torch.

In these images glamour enfolds around our model as she wears strict tailoring, shrugs on rich faux fur, moves silently in swishing crepe or stands poised in jet beading. Her long dark hair both accentuates and hides, even without a sharp veil. Her clothes both wrap around to conceal and move to hint at the curves beneath. Her confidence is supreme as she allows us to watch, her allure as she switches between looks is assured and her mystery as she brushes against rustling green leaves or paces across urban pavements is endless. What is she telling us in these images; is it love or murder, exit or entrance, alone or simply waiting?

Our leading lady is Elena Vannucci, born and raised on Lake Como, in Italy. Elena modelled for the famous Ford Models agency in New York, before moving to Los Angeles in 1994. Her later career has involved using her expertise in all aspects of production, and location scouting. Older now, she loves to celebrate her age, and the beauty of passing time. It’s obvious in all these images her Italian operatic diva is only just below the surface, as she takes centre stage in this modern fashion shoot, yet which echoes the roles of Tosca, Violetta or Adriana.

Fashion and storytelling, fashion and Italy, fashion and the night; they’re always good company.