My Work | Marie Claire | New Sensations

With the exception of expensive lingerie, there is nothing quite like fur to make you feel glamorous and chic. It’s a palpable, almost instantaneous sensation that sets in the moment your skin makes contact with its comforting warmth. Honestly, try being demure and insecure while wearing a fur coat. I dare you.

            In the spirit of this sensation, the editorial focuses on the spins and updates lent to the classic by the deft hands of designers at Fendi, Gucci and even newcomer J.W. Anderson.  We shot the story at Pier 59 on my birthday (let’s have a moment of silence for the poor intern who had to drag those giant garment bags of fur around Manhattan in the summer) and as usual with Lester, everything went smoothly and we had a ball. Highlights of the day include everyone on set trying on the fur bikini (thankfully that includes the hot cater waiter), the giant chocolate cake I ate about half of (hey, it was my birthday!) and those ginormous fur mittens which I may or may not have claimed as my own and worn around all day (as for the chocolate icing that later took up residence on the right paw… I plead the fifth.)  

photographer: Jean-Francois Campos

stylist: Lester Garcia

model: Alla Kostromichova

hair: Owen Gould

make-up: Sam Addington

nails: Jackie Saulsbery

Fur is taking over as the top choice of sartorial shield against the Siberian winter Manhattan is set on. Fur has long been the subject of heated debates regarding ethics and infamous fashion week attacks. While I am neither condoning nor opposed to the larger issues behind what is ultimately just a fabric, it’s apparent that fur is having a major moment right now.

            My own history with fur is limited. My mom has a few old coats I try to keep sufficient distance from due to the odd aroma they seem to have acquired after years spent rotting in the back of her closet. I’ve experimented with a few different styles of faux-fur, but after my friends took up nicknaming me “sexy yeti” every time I would wear some I more or less retired the look. That is, until I can finally get my hands on the real thing.