Josh Olins is a renowned fashion photographer who has worked with some of the most prestigious magazines and brands in the industry. His style is elegant and natural, capturing the essence of his subjects and the mood of his settings. One of his latest projects was a stunning editorial for WSJ Magazine, titled “Coast of Utopia,” where he showcased the beauty and drama of Iceland’s landscape and the model Ida Heiner.
The Concept
The editorial was inspired by the contrast between the harshness of nature and the softness of fashion, as well as the feeling of being somewhere remote and untouched by civilization. Olins wanted to create a visual story that transported the viewers to another world where they could escape from reality momentarily. He chose Iceland as the location because of its unique and diverse scenery, ranging from volcanic rocks and geysers to glaciers and waterfalls. He also selected Ida Heiner as the model because of her striking resemblance to a young Tilda Swinton, who is known for her unconventional and ethereal roles.
The Styling
The editorial was styled by Anastasia Barbieri, who chose pieces from Dior, Prada, Valentino, and other luxury brands. The outfits mostly comprised swimwear, ethereal maxi dresses, and chic knitwear, creating a contrast between the cold and rugged environment and the warm and delicate fabrics. The colors were also carefully chosen to complement the tones of the landscape, such as white, beige, gray, blue, and green. The accessories were minimal, consisting of simple earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
The Hair and Makeup
The hair was done by Cim Mahony, who created a sleek and simple look that contrasted with the wild scenery. He pulled back Heiner’s blonde hair into a low bun or a ponytail, leaving some strands loose to frame her face. The makeup was by Sally Branka, who enhanced Heiner’s natural features with subtle touches of color. She used a light foundation, a peachy blush, a brown eyeliner, a nude lipstick, and a clear gloss. She also added some glitter on her eyelids and cheeks for some sparkle.
The Photography
The photography was done by Josh Olins, who used natural light and minimal props to create captivating images. He experimented with different angles and perspectives, creating dynamic shots that conveyed movement and adventure. He also used a variety of lenses, such as wide-angle, telephoto, and macro, to capture different aspects of the landscape and the model. He also edited the images to enhance the contrast and saturation, making them more vivid and dramatic.
The Result
The result was a series of breathtaking images that showcased Olins’ talent and vision. He created harmony between the model and the environment, using color, light, and composition. He also created tension between the opposites of nature and fashion, cold and warm, rough and smooth. The editorial received rave reviews from critics and readers alike, who praised Olins’ work as “stunning,” “magical,” “dreamy,” and “epic.” Some even compared it to legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh’s work for Vogue in 1988, when he shot supermodels on a beach in Malibu.
Conclusion
Josh Olins is one of the best fashion photographers in the industry. His work is not only visually stunning but also emotionally engaging. He creates stories that transport us to another world, where we can escape from reality momentarily. His editorial for WSJ Magazine is a perfect example of his skill and creativity. He brought fashion and nature together in Iceland in a way that no one else could.
If you want to see more of Josh Olins’ work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.