"Water for Elephants" Fashion Statement
This is the iconic image taken by Avedon for Harper"s Bazaar, of model Dovima in 1955.
Below, is the oddly similar, highly styled sultry pics of Reece Witherspoon, in "Water for Elephants".
Dior sequined, embroidered tulle dress.
Sophie Theallet silk dress with grosgrain ties.
Dolce + Gabbana embellished top with shorts.
Narciso Rodriguez silk charmeuse dress.
Now that's a prelude to a kiss.
A bit of Madonna-esque? Aside from Reece Witherspoon looking so beautiful, the other star of the movie was "Tai" the elephant, from "Have Trunk will Travel".
The plot of the movie follows the Benzini Brothers Circus, which was self -proclaimed as second rate to Ringling Bros. + Barnum Bailey.
True Story:
I was personally hired by "The Greatest Show on Earth" on 2 separate occasions. Both were in a consultant capacity for special retail merchandising projects they were rolling out nationally.
For the first I was flown to their corporate headquarters, outside Washington DC + shown around the Ringling Bros. Museum. I also spent some time in their warehouse, up-close to props + sparkly costumes. I was treated royally.
Years later, I was sent to Chicago, to view the traveling show in action. They wanted my advice on their retail presentation + marketing.
I will never forget how fascinating it was go go behind the scenes of a circus. In particular was being witness the clowns as they were making-up. Clouds of white powder surrounded them, just like you see in the movies. I was told that what I saw was top secret so of course, my camera was not allowed.
As I was escorted on a tour of the 3 rings, prior to a show, I was able to actually touch the skin of an elephant. It was the oddest sensation ever: a cross between a cactus + rough sandpaper.
This must have been a most uncomfortable pose for Reece, above, but appealing as an art photograph.
Fellow movie goers were saying that the NY Times best selling book, was a better read than the movie. But I think that seeing the fashions in "Water for Elephants" was worth the price of admission. And for me of course, the reflections of an interesting career.
IMAGES COURTESY OF PETER LINDBERGH
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