It started out as an editorial for the popular NY based online magazine Unvogue. Their agenda was to spotlight unsigned models who have potential of getting representation with reputable agencies in nyc. It became something different after the models arrived on the set of the photoshoot.
They hand selected the models based off submitted photos and images that appeared on internet websites. To both our surprise, many of the chosen models hardly looked anything like the images posted on the internet. This totally changed the ideas we had in mind.
Unvogue magazine wanted to "discover" fresh new talent for the agencies. Because of the way the models looked in person, they nolonger wanted to put their name and reputation behind "models' who were obviously needy of photoshop expertise. I was concerned that these pictures where gonna be unused.
Inspired by vandals in Berlin who slapped stickers on subway posters that feature heavily retouched photos of Britney Spears, Leona Lewis and Christina Aguilera. The stickers made the subway posters resemble the user interface of Photoshop. Instead of the images going to waste and not being used, I sent the editor the image below and the story about the vandals and suggested he do his own version of this.
Unvogue decided to use the images to make a similar statement about the unattainable ideas of beauty and how Photoshop and retouching is used to help perpetuate those ideals of beauty.
The entire editorial is featured in the current issue of UnVogue Magazine silver anniversary issue.
