Leather Loves by Mike Adler: On set with Killian and Ellen Von Unwerth.
I’m always thrilled to be booked for advertising work. Starting out as a young stylist, it was always a pinnacle to strive toward, a goalpost before it moves again. Year by year I would travel further abroad, passing through department and beauty stores witnessing the campaigns of other aspirational artists and future colleagues, further fuelling the desire to see my own work within these luxury perfume adverts and lipstick campaigns.
Always grateful for the photographers and icons who have elevated my career forward with the honour of their collaboration. It is the work of the incredible Ellen Von Unwerth who believed in me and what I could bring to the incredible beauty campaigns with her and Kilian Paris. Founded by Kilian Hennessy and a part of Estee Lauder Companies, Kilian’s scents are sophisticated, evocative, sexy and powerfully individual—and sold in the worlds most exclusive perfumeries and luxury department stores.
On my most recent campaign shoot with Kilian and Ellen Von Unwerth, I was asked to dress each model within a character brief from the creative team and with ultimately sophisticated and strong lipsticks, came equally confident characters. Among my selection of fine luxury silks, statement sequins, fine tulles and tailored silhouettes—leather elements featured within my styling. A key leather dress by Ermanno Scervino was flown direct from the press team in Milan following its runway debut; an Azadene Alaia leather wrap halter top and an oh so luxe leather and metal bag; multiple pairs of Christian Louboutin leather painted stilettos and a bespoke leather jacket by designer Romain Thevinin—who hand studded it for me to my specifics for the shoot!
And so with this, my first ‘video’ addition to my Leather Loves edition, I welcome you on set in Paris—and show you a closer look at the beautiful leather looks courtesy of Ermanno, Alaia, Louboutin and Thevinin!
Xx Mike
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