In this collab between ZOOT and London based community DRAWING CABARET COUTURE, we invite you to step into the ethereal world of “The silver cord”, where fashion meets artistry. Taking place in East London and under the visionary lens of photographer Lauren Cremer, “The silver cord” emerges as a transcendent exploration of the connection between the celestial and the corporeal. Inspired by the enigmatic King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s electronic music album, this editorial promises to captivate the imagination and blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Photography, creative direction & concept Lauren Cremer
Styling Nyle Amin
Assisted by Camilla Thompson
Set design Mathew Lawrence
Assisted by Lydia Payne
Studio DCC Studios London
Hair & wig stylist Marìa Vannìcola
Makeup artist Jo Sugar
Videographer Mary O’Neill
Music Kathryn Reed and Douglas Frost
Models Jordana Rev and Sally Miller
Words Ines Teves
Drawing inspiration from the notion of the ‘silver lining’, which is a symbol for the connection between our higher selves and our physical bodies, empowering individuals on their self discovery journey, photographer Lauren Cremer cord created a symphony of images through visual storytelling, The silver cord explores this concept, contemplating the connection between light and shadow, hope and despair, and the beauty found within moments of transition.
In this collaboration between ZOOT and the Drawing Cabaret Couture -aka DCC studios, where artists partake in fashion and cabaret themed drawing classes and photography workshops – you can observe the fresh perspective of the intersection of fashion, art and performance through the two models. Both are also ballerinas and contortionists – that with each twist and turn help bring this concept into every frame, challenging perceptions and inviting us to reimagine the possibilities of self-expression. Through the drawings of the international art community Drawing Cabaret Couture that you can find next to each look and also in a second post, featuring
Sally in the box
ZOOT: What initially drew you to the concept of The silver cord for this editorial?
Lauren: Last year an album came out by my favorite band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard called The Silver Cord and from the first time I listened to it I had really vivid ideas of how I wanted to interpret it. The concept has such beautiful imagery and ideas attached to it that I wanted to bring to life.
Below the veil
ZOOT: Which specific visuals or symbols related to The silver cord did you intentionally include in your photographs to reinforce the concept?
Lauren: A lot of the black and white drawings depticting the silver cord from their accompanying literature were super helpful for this shoot. As well as looking at references like Théâtre du Mouvement for the way that they tell complex stories using bodies.
Jordana in crystal palace
ZOOT: Can you describe the creative process behind conceptualizing and planning the shoot?
Lauren: Finding a team that was able to work with models pulling these crazy shapes and poses was instrumental, and everybody did a fantastic job bringing it to life. I know with the styling, Nyle had to make so many considerations about what they were able to wear considering the movement.
Celestial dance
ZOOT: How did you interpret and visualize this abstract concept through your photography?
Lauren: I have worked with contortionists, aerialists, and ballerinas a lot before. Since the silver cord is talking about a connection between your astral soul and your physical body, I knew I wanted to work with people who use their bodies to the fullest potential and who are able to manipulate themselves into impossible shapes and who have great strength and ties to their bodies. Whenever I talk to dancers they always have such strong minds and connections with their bodies so it instantly made sense to work with them on this project.
Whispers of light
ZOOT: How did you use imagery to evoke a certain mood or emotion in The silver cord?
Lauren: The shooting style was locked in from the start to be black and white and quite stark and aggressive. As the shoot evolved, the colours that we were getting were so beautiful that it made sense that they’d represent the heavens, and we wanted to keep the earth super gritty and stark and hedonistic looking.
Glimpse of stars
ZOOT: How did the models unique talents contributed to the portrayal of the silver lining theme ?
Lauren: Having models with such unique skills (fitting into the box) gave me completely new ideas for how to interpret the story rather than by being too literal with a silver cord flowing through each photo. In some photos it’s the hair, in some it’s their jewellery, in some the cord is their body, in some it’s their clothes. I wanted to find as many different ways to tie in through them flowing throughout the story whether they’re in heaven or on earth.
Jordana behind the mask
Thank you Lauren!
COOKIE H @bycookieh | www.bycookieh.uk @crescentagency
DOZI IMP @dozi_imp | www.dozi-imp.com @kmrcomms
LONSDALE @lonsdale_official | www.lonsdale.com
RUAA ELMANSURI @ruaaelmansuri | www.ruaaelmansuri.com @i.deapr
RETRO CHIC @retrochicitaly | www.retrochicitaly.com @crescentagency
ZANDRA RHODES @zandra_rhodes_ @kmrcomms
