Step outside the realms of high fashion and you’ll find that most swimwear calendars are loaded with cliches. They’re the same cliches you saw in Sports Illustrated back in the ’80s and ’90, and you’re about to see them again now. But Patrick Demarchelier’s subtle nod to the traditional swimwear calendar is executed knowingly. And with visual beauty, too. Edita Vilkeviciute works the crouching-on-rocks-in-heels pose,…

It’s no wonder the mermaid as fashion inspiration is such a popular theme for fashion editorials. It’s an opportune excuse to make excursions to seaside locations, to bask in the sun, and to mix fashion with a little (or even a lot) of fantasy. Patrick Demarchelier brings the latest example for Vogue Japan. Saskia De Brauw is on a “mermaid’s holiday”, trading her tail for…

Your focus may be drawn to model Mariacarla Boscono’s changing hairstyle as it shifts from peroxide bob to very short bangs, and with good cause: it’s the true gem in this Vogue Italia pictorial. To be certain the black and gold hues of Gucci’s spring 2012 collection stand out, but so complete are the art deco looks that the collection offers up that it’s not…

Mariacarla Boscono might be the star with main billing in this shoot for Vogue Italia – in fact the shoot is even titled after her: The Outstanding M.C.B. But the best supporting cast members are surely Gucci’s Art Deco dresses, making their way into almost every shot. The great thing about Patrick Demarchelier’s editorial is that it shows just how versatile these shining deco dresses…

We’re staring into the ice-cream parlour lineup of eras gone by. Peppermint twist, raspberry swirl, lemon sorbet, set against bright pops of candy colour and the creaminess of classic vanilla. Bakelite jewellery has been revived along with the ’50s and ’60s fashions that are sweeping 2012. But while a structured skirt suit may be a little too formal and mature for most, it’s worth mentally…

No, the famed photographer isn’t taking on the what seems to be fast becoming the least wanted job in the industry. Instead Patrick Demarchelier’s latest photo book is a tremendous photo essay of Dior’s Couture story to date. Spanning the house’s entire couture history, the book will encompass designs from Christian Dior himself, the work of Yves Saint Laurent and the now controversial yet undeniably…

Dance and photography connect in a universe that’s not known to many. Dance moves and costumes recite an anecdote on stage, similar to how a model tells her story through the camera lens. This editorial, snapped by Patrick Demarchelier, demonstrates the synergy between the art and fashion industry. The importance of symmetry in fashion photography and dance is evident in each capture. Brilliantly channelling dances…

While finding your perfect 2011 swimsuit is one thing, accessorising it is another entirely. If you’re taking your bikini from the beach to dry land Vogue US’ suggestion, as illustrated by their latest shoot featuring Lara Stone, is to plunge oneself knee-deep in exotic reptile leathers. Laden with “python bags, lizard-embossed sandals, and ostrich totes” a simple swimsuit is given a whole new feel. Personally…

I’ll never forget the ‘haircut’. It was high school and all the girls were cutting their hair into chin length bobs. Overnight, the three years I had spent growing out my hair meant nothing. Breathless from excitement, I hurled myself into the stylist’s chair, a pile of magazine tears in my lap. The following week was spent strutting around school flipping my hair to a…

For most it would seem that pregnancy and fashion don’t always go hand in hand. With any luck, however, the fashion industry will take the fact that the likes of Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes are pregnant and promote just how chic women can remain. Unsurprisingly, the media have already taken the right lead: W magazine have photographed a radiantly pregnant Miranda for their December…