Photographer: Alan Gelati. Model(s): Jay de Pretto. Source: L’Officiel Singapore. Stylist: Paolo Lapicca. Makeup: Gabriele Trezzi. Hair: Josana.
Posted Jul 20, 2020
Jasmine Jessica De Pretto embodies the art of future fashion in ‘Bad Romance’, creatively detailed by Alan Gelati for L’Officiel Singapore July 2020. It’s so exciting to see a proper editorial excursion in the face of the Pandemic. I am not one to minimize the seriousness or carelessly abandon our duty as citizens. However, as we continue down this ‘Road Less Traveled’ I believe we must honor creative needs. I am an artist first. My mind, body and soul seek solace in the center of self. To me that says we must go deeper. Ever in our history has there been a time so appointed? We must think of this time as precious, because it is. If we have learned anything, it is that every breath we take is a gift.
The time is now. We’ve been given a rare opportunity to explore. We are bound, as thinking animals, to execute these opportunities. Recently I took some time off from my daily routine, in an effort to investigate my relationship with WORDS. Where do they fall on my priority list? Are they a core part of my inner emotions, or, are they merely the intellectual representation of my physical manifestations? Is this the route I take on my journey to arrive. Or, as Robert Frost puts it, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.)” Does this help me my instinct to thrive? Will this protect me? Show me how to survive? I peruse each page of pictorial pleasure (yes, I know, I have Alliteration issues), and as I do so my palate is persuaded. Come on how could I resist… moving on. I found Paolo Lapicca’s work to be outstanding. His styles send signals, leading us on a sentimental sojourn. Haute-Houses; D&G, Pucci, Fendi, Givenchy, Gucci, Marco de Vincenzo, Miu Miu, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Redemption, Valentino and finally the great ~ 8 Moncler Richard Quinn. They all speak the language of mind-style, giving rise to a kind of design tide. The act of neo-reflection. This isn’t about presenting forward fashion, or accepting it as such. Rather, we are being asked to indulge in a rare journey of discovery.
Jay de Pretto (as she is called) is beautiful, there is no doubt. But beauty is my business, there’s no shortage in this regard. But, is that enough? I am dumbfounded by that question. I consider this and then ponder a query. In our current state of national unrest, I wonder. Am I merely using fear as a mode of avoidance. My driving further inside the annals of my mind, there’s no doubt, I’ve created a great place to hide. I can’t deny I have been affected. We all have, in very different ways. It stands to reason then, that all that I am taking in will also be similarly touched. My tool of choice, my creme de le creative creme, my perception has been forever changed. And, I need to be o.k. with that reality.
I have always been attracted to the deeply true. Art that is real. Untouched by the hand of commerce. Monetary enticement doesn’t move me. In-fact, some may say it steals sincerity away. As I ponder this I am struck by a familiar sense. What I see here is a three-way of the most consequential kind. A creative three-way. Whereby the photographer/model/stylist forge an unbreakable bond. Extending their talent to reach the highest level of potential. Alan Gelati brings these forces together, inspiring Paolo Lapicca’s divine designs to deliver a message of strength and Jasmine to carry the message. She isn’t moving the art… the art is moving her. There’s a heavy distinction. She allows her body to be the clothing carrier and her brain to be the message barer.
There is still a discerning editorial process, yet I challenge, it’s more astute than before. Choosing based on a measure of depth more than physical presence. I am human. I will forever be moved by the that which moves me. What I mean to project is a sense of symbiosis, of which I am keenly aware. A story done primarily in black/white with touches of color to cast a spell. Each image is subtle in it’s approach yet staggering in it’s landing. I know I sound like a woman who’s been walking the baron desert of boring designs, desperate for a drink. And, while that holds some truth, I dare say my needle has been moved. For every word choice there is an internal mechanism by which we run the machinery of the mind. So Come to Me My Pretty Prose ~ Now Is the Time!!!