Behind the lens: How Adrianne Weber Inspired a Fashion Photographer's Creative Process and Vision

Elena Zagari, a talented London-based photographer, recently contacted us expressing her interest in incorporating some of our pieces into one of her projects.

Following the photoshoot, we conducted an interview with Elena in order to inquire about her artistic practise, sources of inspiration, and what drew her to Adrianne Weber in particular.

---

What are your primary sources of inspiration as a photographer?

People. Whenever I meet someone, there's always something unique about them that catches my eye. It could be a quirky detail, a certain expression, or just a the aura they radiate. I think of photography as a blend of art and psychology, it’s a way to better understand things, capturing a moment, freezing a feeling, and digging into the essence of people and the stories they carry. It's not just taking pictures; it's about connecting with the world, with others, and with emotions. It's a way to explore the diverse aspects of human life. I use my camera to document the many facets of our existence, and in doing so, I feel like I'm getting to know people, events, and emotions in a more profound way. It's all about creating a visual connection with the world and the people in it.

What originally sparked your passion for photography? How do you maintain that initial sensation in your daily practise?

Photography has always been a big part of my life. It was a matter of time before I realised it's what I really wanted to dive into. I've always used art as a way to express feelings. I started with painting, but I soon found out that I enjoyed taking pictures of the stuff I wanted to paint more than the actual act of painting. I still paint now and then, but photography just feels more like second nature to me. When I'm taking a photo, I don't feel like I have to force it. It's more like something catches my eye – maybe a scene or a colour palette – and I just naturally want to preserve it. It's a way of freezing a moment and preserving the emotions I'm going through.

What drew you to our brand's pieces for this photoshoot, and how do you feel they embody the essence of our brand?

I was drawn to the intricacy and attention to detail in the clothing, as well as the overall aesthetic of the brand. The minimal color palettes and sculptural structures of the pieces evoke a surreal sensation that I knew I wanted to incorporate into my own work and explore further.

Could you share your creative vision in capturing the unique characteristics of our brand's designs during the photoshoot?

I was attracted by the ephemerality and surreal quality of the pieces and felt a desire to challenge this by placing them in contrast within everyday settings. This influenced my choice of an open space location and natural light for the photoshoot. My goal was to recreate the essence of everyday life moments, enhancing them through the juxtaposition of this idyllic clothing as a contrasting element. This allowed me to create something that feels both natural and soft, yet elevated by the aesthetics of the clothing.

Were there specific elements or details in our pieces that you found particularly inspiring for this editorial?

I was particularly inspired by the white dress, as I believe it possesses a statue-like structure and an inherent sense of surrealism, primarily due to the black flower details that strongly remind me of abstract paintings.

In your opinion, how do the images you captured reflect the values and aesthetics of our brand?

I think the images reflect and represent an ideal scenery where the clothing could be worn. Visually exploring and showing the vision of a contemporary woman's wardrobe.

Can you describe the locations or settings chosen for the shoot and how they complement our brand's identity and style?

Another reason I was strongly drawn to the brand is its commitment to sustainable ethics and the way the clothing is made. Therefore, I aimed to incorporate as much sustainability into my own practice as possible. This influenced my decision to shoot in outdoor locations using natural light. Additionally, a part of me chose to let the weather on the day of the shoot influence the final outcome, working with the natural elements, rather than creating an artificial scene in a studio with extensive equipment and lighting.

Our pieces are known for their exceptional quality. Can you share how you captured the craftsmanship and durability of our designs through your photography?

I think the craftsmanship and quality of the clothing speak for themselves and don't require extensive scrutiny through photography. It's evident in my images and by merely gazing at the clothing that a significant amount of effort and thoughtful consideration went into shaping not only the design but also the structure of the garments.

Lastly, what message or emotions do you hope the audience will take away from these photos, and how does it relate to the narrative of our brand?

I hope the audience can envision the clothing within a natural and everyday life context. Deliberately, I refrained from incorporating too much into the images because I felt it was crucial for viewers to concentrate primarily on the subjects and the clothing items. My goal was to depict the models wearing the clothing in a natural manner, without overly emphasising posture and makeup. Instead, I aimed to capture them in a more subdued and simple fashion.

Shop the Look

Deconstructed Leather Blazer

Abstract Skirt