A SENSE OF STILLNESS: MARK ARRIGO CAPTURES LAURA BAILEY

Words by Laura Bailey

Photography by Mark Arrigo

I wanted to capture a sense of stillness. To be in my own space. Somewhere I can be sometimes the artist, sometimes the muse. A kind of surrender. And safety. Uncrowded.

My friend and collaborator, Mark Arrigo, who photographed me wearing my own Chanel ~ favourite jewellery, a loveworn cardi, a vintage silk blouse, describes the mood as ‘a world of mist.. images coming in and out of focus, no need for perfection. Just a feeling, a sense, an emotion..’

Knowing the mood would be impressionistic, Chanel Beauty’s Spring Summer 2021 Les Fleurs de Chanel proved the perfect playground. Imagining an optimistic mood-shift in the year ahead , Chanel Beauty Creative Director Lucia Pica sought inspiration from the plant realm and the world of flowers – from the iconic camellias so emblematic of the House of Chanel, to rich peonies and silky sweet peas. A fantasy of decadent abundance and a conversation between strength and delicacy. Inspired by the sensuality and romance of the natural world , the shy blush of rose and the indigo bruise of iris, my face was left bare but stained, a kind of shadow play on innocence and experience.