Veiled Dress- Herb Ritts | Analysis

The image presents the silhouette of a female body located in a desert scenery, close to the picture plane. The woman is displayed in the middle of the portrait, seen from the side, covered in a black garment. The garment is a dark veil- the material is thin like chiffon and you can slightly see through it, however it still covers her face. The veil is being carried through the wind, flowing freely behind the silhouette as the model steps forward. Her figure is outstretched and her arms are straight in the air, above her head, as though she is carrying the material. The material is skintight (except the veil, trailing behind her) which shows her thin figure and the curves and sculpture of it. The model is wearing black heels and her left foot looks uncomfortably positioned. Her foot is twisted so that it is facing to the front, even though her body faces to the side. There is a clear contrast between the model wearing black and the desert background which appears as white/grey.

The pictures main focus is the model wearing the veiled dress, it particularly concentrations on the figure of the model, bringing attention to the shape and curvature of her body. The silhouette outlines the models strong and structured pose from the garment wrapped around her physique. This is a clear visual element that highlights the images purpose- to show off the dress/veil designed by Versace.

On one hand I view this image as mesmerizing, because it shows elegance, beauty and power. This is purely based on the structure on the image and how the models stance is powerful, yet her veil flows elegantly behind her like a river. The flowing of the garment is unhampered by the silhouette standing still, the model appears to be breaking free- this has been emphasized through movement. On the other hand, this image represents mystery and darkness in my eyes- the black veil reminds me of horror and in particular the novel ‘The Women in Black’. The quote “She was dressed in the deepest black, in the style of full mourning” enforces me to relate the novel to the Herb Ritts image. By the veil covering the models face is distorts clarity and creates a sinister atmosphere from the image. This conjures up interest because it evokes a sense of mystery which is attention-grabbing foe the viewer. The shade black makes me think of mourning and grief which is the main reason I associated the image to The Women in Black.

Veiled dress 1990’s- Versace, the black garment being carried freely by the wind in a desert setting sets the vision of the image being dynamic. The sand in the desert is actively changing and the sand dunes never remain the same. The garment is actively flowing in different directions- making the image painterly presenting free flowing lines as opposed to one straight line. This could connote the active change in garments and fashion, the image may imply that fashion is forever changing and developing- it doesn’t remain the same forever.

The image also symbolises elements such as Earth and water. The sand takes up the pictorial space in the background of the image and the veil connotes as water. My interpretation of the portrait involving these elements is that it touches on corners of creation, which could reflect on the intention of the image (to show off Versace’s new creation). The water element holds a particular association to spirits and physic power. It is said that tears can be used to mark ritual items or added to potions. The earth element also projects similar associations to spirits. Ley lines or ‘lines of power’ cross each other through the earth; where the lines meet it is said you will find sacred space. Through the image relating to water and earth it depicts a certain level of surrealism- beyond reality. This is projected from the spiritual connotations the elements hold.

The female form is another aspect that I have drawn out from this image, the figure of the models body is very slim- she clearly has that ‘desirable’ body image. As the image was taken in 1990 it is clear that times have changed and there for the desired effect of the image may have developed. Why can the models figure not be plus size? Society may begin to question why the physique of the model is slim as opposed to plus size- this could possibly be developed in future Versace shoots.

I overall think that when the image was created, the creators took into consideration the environment and light to display the garment to its full potential and also the elements of sand and water to create a deeper interpretation. In conclusion, I think the image shows glamour and highlights the clothing that Versace has created. It has met its purpose to capture the garment, yet it depicts deeper connotations, bringing the image to life- allowing it to tell a story.

References:

Buildingbeautifulsouls.com. (2017). Five (5) Elements Symbolic Meaning | Symbols and Meanings. [online] Available at: https://www.buildingbeautifulsouls.com/symbols-meanings/five-elements-symbolic-meaning/ [Accessed 19 Nov. 2017].

Cartwright, G. (2017). Postcards From in Between: Why It's Time to Celebrate Average-Size Women. [online] POPSUGAR Fashion UK. Available at: https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/Why-Plus-Size-Models-Actually-Just-Average-Size-36790195 [Accessed 19 Nov. 2017].

Shmoop.com. (2017). The Woman in Black Appearances Quotes Page 2. [online] Available at: https://www.shmoop.com/woman-in-black/appearances-quotes-2.html [Accessed 19 Nov. 2017].

ThoughtCo. (2017). What Does Painterly Mean in Art?. [online] Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-painterly-2577685 [Accessed 19 Nov. 2017].

Worn Through. (2017). Parisian Insights: Herb Ritts. [online] Available at: http://www.wornthrough.com/2016/11/parisian-insights-herb-ritts/ [Accessed 19 Nov. 2017].

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