A ‘first time’ for anything can be daunting. Be it a first bicycle ride, first kiss or a first stage performance.
Model Saskia De Brauw lived through this very overwhelming notion as she made her debut before Mario Testino’s lens. Also being this Dutch beauty’s first fashion spread to be featured in British Vogue. Such breakthroughs often go unnoticed amongst the juggling riddle of fast-paced digital world and hands-on print media.
But when an editorial so powerful and meaningful comes to light, it’s hard not spare it more than a glance.
Taking center stage in her role as the magician’s assistant and photographer’s muse, Brauw has surrendered herself to the onlooker’s gaze. The spotlight is on her, but her hands are tied. The bewildering gowns enchant her presence on stage however, there’s no intensity in her stance. Sharp lines are created with the set props, her swept-back structured power bob and her contoured cheekbones. She’s the puppet of the show and you, the audience, are her master. Her eyes are blindfolded and her shoulders are covered. Testino is working the magic of flash and lighting around her, leaving her with the act of doing nothing.
It’s almost as if he’s being easy on her, this being her first appearance, and letting this muffled vision bubble up into something volcanic for Brauw’s future.
For that to weight up, we might have to play the waiting game. But for now, click on the thumbnails above and view the photographic brilliance by Mario Testino.
