fashion NEWS

DRAMA QUEEN

17 Jan 2012
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Senior fashion editor Poppy Evans transports us into the world of a showgirl on page 60 of our February issue – and you can go behind the scenes with our video here and see local model Lauren Buys become a starlet for a day in a Marilyn-inspired production.

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We also chatted to Poppy about the shoot.

Where was ‘Drama Queen’ shot?

We shot at Cape Town’s Fugard Theatre. The idea was to put on a production with and a celebration of old-world glamour, so the beautiful theatre made for the perfect venue.

What was the big idea?

With My Week with Marilyn out this month and Golden Globe winner Michelle Williams (yes, she’s our February cover girl, we are proud to say!) as its star, Hollywood glamour is back. This shoot is our take on it and we made Lauren the star of the show in one-of-a kind couture.

We love the posters. What do you feel this added to the shoot?

The posters gave the concept depth and made the shoot more believable. By featuring Lauren on them we reinforced Lauren’s ‘stardom’ as a modern-day Marilyn.

Tell us about the styling?

This shoot is lingerie-inspired; it’s about getting dressed and undressed and embracing the glamour of sequins, luxurious satin and silk. I wanted to focus on what’s underneath the opulence.

Was there anything you particularly enjoyed?

I must say it was shooting the posters. It was an opportunity to think out of the box and get creative. Also seeing the photographer (Justin Polkey) fall off his chair from overexcitement made my day.

Any challenges?

In general, we constantly had to avoid making it too ‘Marilyn’. It was difficult to take our inspiration from her but not to make the shoot about her or replicate her. We wanted Lauren to be the star but still pay tribute to Marilyn’s sensuality.

What do you hope readers will take away from this?

I want readers to be inspired; I want them to be transported to another time and place. To appreciate the glamour of yesteryear’s stars and to be mesmerised by our take on Marilyn.

Which shot is your favourite?

I love the opening shot of Lauren on stage with red roses in the background because it’s a movement shot and captured the moment when our fashion interns were throwing red roses into the air – it is so real.

What makes Lauren the perfect Marilyn?

She was able to give an all-woman performance; she has the right look and the personality to convey what we wanted on camera.

Any funny moments?

Apart from Justin falling off his chair, yes, there was one more! We bought the red roses from a market but they absolutely stank! Not what you would expect from roses. We had to spray them with hairspray just so Lauren could hold them and cope with the smell.

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By Poppy Evans, Photographs: Justin Polkey, Photographer’s assistants: Sam Bowker and Hareth Tayem, Videographer: Roice Nel, Hair: Kevin Epstein, Make-up: Toni Greenberg at Bird on a Wire, Model: Lauren Buys at Boss

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