Taking one last look at glamorous days filled with sun and surf.
Story and photos by Violetta Markelou
I am constantly inspired by the elegant construction and detail of vintage clothing. I love that dressing in past eras was a more formal affair on a day-to-day basis than in today’s society. Nora’s platinum cropped hair cut and alabaster skin inspired me to envision her dressed and styled as a screen siren from the ’50s. I wanted to create a 2012 version of Marilyn Monroe, but with much more edge and attitude. The clean lines and colors of Vida Penthouse Pool club also inspired me a great deal. The rooftop setting feels more like L.A or Miami than Washington, D.C. so I thought it the perfect place to stage the fantasy.
I think I can speak for my crew on the shoot when I say that we all crave a little bit more edge and a lot more glamour than what you typically find in conservative Washington. I love that fashion photography gives you the space to create any kind of fantasy you desire. With a talented crew pulling out all the stops in the styling, hair and makeup, the fantasy can come true — even if it’s just for an afternoon.
Photography & Art Direction: Violetta Markelou
Model: Nora Sommerkamp
Wardrobe stylist: Tara Papanicolas
Makeup: Carl Ray, www.carlraymakeupartist.com
Hair: Jody Rusnak
Photo Assistant: Dariush Samari
Location: Vida Penthouse Pool Club Washington, D.C.
Check out the rest of the series at www.violettamarkelou.com