Shot in Brooklyn, all the creative elements came together at our Spring / Summer 2010 fashion shoot. J Brand’s Art Director, Laura Pizzarelli, offers some insight into the inspiration behind the campaign. 

Q: What was your vision for the Spring / Summer 2010 photo shoot?
A: We wanted to be bold and reveal a person’s inner spirit, power and sexuality set in a minimal environment.  No bells and whistles, just expression and feeling.

Q: Provide three words that you feel best describe the inspiration behind the SS ’10 collection?
A: sexy, minimal, indulgent comfort (I know that’s four but the last two have to go together!)

Q: How was the inspiration of the product lines depicted during the shoot?
A: Jessica and Kelly are so powerful and sexy completely alone in a room and that’s what we were going for.  The woman/man and the jeans speak for themselves. No big set, no skin, no props … well one, but really, who couldn’t use a great red chair?!

Q: What models were used for the shoot and why were they cast specifically?
A: Jessica Miller and Kelly Rippy. Completely authentic, really nice people, sexy as hell, raw human spirit. 

Q: How was it to work with Terry Richardson and what did he bring to the shoot (aside from anticipated genius)?
A: It was like working with a lifelong friend I had never met before … Terry is super  cool and casual, he has great taste in music, makes everyone comfortable and he’s a genius as anticipated. He took an empty space and a camera and with the models created “bam!” 

Q: Is this the first time working with Terry for J Brand? What were his impressions with the product and shooting it?
A: Yes, first time.  Hopefully not the last.  When I look at the end result, I’d like to think he was into it as much as we were. 

Q: How did his personality come out in the shoot?
A: First of all there was a great vibe. Low key and intense, just like Terry.  Second, he just has a unique, energetic presence, kind of unexpected. I think how that translated is obvious.

Q: How did your creativity with styling and his unique eye behind the lens come together and collaborate?
A: We knew Terry’s style and we wanted whatever he was bringing.  We’re not looking through the lens so we just made sure he had all the tools to work with from the model, to the jeans, accessories, atmosphere and couches.  He brought them all together in the lens and made it into art.

Q: What was your favorite: shot/post/product?
A: That’s a tough one, I really like them all.  But for the woman, Jessica standing in that corner of the wall in the legging speaks directly to the vision we had for the shoot.  For the men’s it’s how the two shots we chose work together, Kelly goes from a plaid shirt to a jacket and tie and the J Brand vibe remains seamless.

Q: Any unique anecdotes or stories from the set?
A: My favorite time of that day was walking around outside shooting Kelly with no real plan in mind.  The sun setting on the streets of Brooklyn in just the right place, that green wall just screaming to be shot. Great fun, good people.