Proenza Schouler Spring 2011 Ad Campaign

• Photographer: Willy Vanderperre
• Shoot date: November 20th, 2010 in London
• Models: Melissa Tammerijn (New York Models) & Julia Nobis (Elite Model Management)
• Stylist: Marie Chaix
• Hair: Yannick D’Ys
• Makeup: Sally Branka

I first came to really appreciate Willy’s work through his perennial collaborative relationship with Raf Simmons (and, ergo, the house of Jil Sander). Over the course of the past few months, my love affair with his subtle, captivating technique has been rekindled with the release of his exquisite The Gentlewoman beauty editorial (featuring Abbey Lee in Peter Phillips’ Chanel maquillage), the Roversi-esque Vogue China December 2010 cover and editorial “Freezing Allure” (starring an alluringly meditative Lara Stone), the vibrant V Magazine editorial (photographed at my dear friends at Spring Studios’ unbeatable space in London and featuring a newly-brunette Natasha Poly) and his stark January 2011 W Magazine editorial “Spring Awakening” (co-starring my fellow NEXT Special Bookings board member Tali Lennox along with Lindsey Wixson, Kinga Rajzak and a gaggle of other gorgeous girls).

2011 may still be young, but Willy has been serisouly killing it in the advertising department and has already lent his wistful, discerning lens to the spring 2011 Prada Men, Dior Homme, Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander and Givenchy “Le Bouquet Absolu” fragrance campaigns.

I am literally beside myself with the sheer beauty and lightness of the Proenza campaign in particular—thanks, of course, to Marie’s styling and an ace team—which lent the images their dreamy, ethereal tenor. Yannick’s angelic hair together with Julia and Melissa’s come-hither chemistry and contemplative dispositions are the perfect foils to the day-glo spring/summer wares. Five stars, yo.

UPDATED: Check out my dear friend Danny Roberts’ stupendous speed painting of the campaign: PS: Have you ever seen the stop-motion rendition that Danny did of me back in 2009? It was such an huge honor; I am still taken aback beyond words. (Igor + André)