Mermaid and Sailor 美人魚與水手

A Nautical Encounter: Gaultier's Iconic Sailor and Mermaid Take Venice Carnevale by Storm

The Venice Carnevale, a world of elaborate masks, decadent costumes, and a palpable sense of magic, recently witnessed a spectacle both familiar and refreshingly unique: a Gaultier-inspired tribute to his iconic Sailor and Mermaid muses. Amidst the swirling cloaks and feathered headdresses, the distinct stripes and shimmering scales paid homage to the avant-garde designer and his enduring influence on fashion and pop culture.

Jean Paul Gaultier, the enfant terrible of French fashion, has always embraced the unconventional. His signature themes, often blurring gender lines and celebrating individuality, have resonated deeply with those seeking to express themselves beyond the confines of tradition. The Sailor and the Mermaid, two recurring motifs in his collections, embody this spirit perfectly. The Sailor, a playful nod to masculinity and freedom, with his striped marinière and nautical charm, contrasts beautifully with the ethereal, otherworldly allure of the Mermaid, a symbol of femininity, mystery, and the untamed depths of the ocean.

During the Carnevale, these Gaultier-esque figures were a captivating sight. Imagine the scene: a dapper Sailor, complete with perfectly coiffed hair and a cheeky grin, strolling through the Piazza San Marco, his crisp white uniform a striking contrast to the ornate architecture. Nearby, a Mermaid, adorned in shimmering scales and iridescent fabrics, glided through the crowds, her movements fluid and graceful, captivating onlookers with her otherworldly beauty.

What made these interpretations particularly compelling was the way they embraced the Carnevale's spirit of disguise and theatricality. Elaborate masks, adorned with nautical themes like anchors and sea shells, concealed the wearers' identities, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The costumes themselves were masterpieces of craftsmanship, meticulously crafted with attention to detail and a clear understanding of Gaultier's design aesthetics.

But beyond the visual spectacle, these Gaultier-inspired creations spoke to something deeper. They highlighted the designer's enduring influence on the world of fashion and his ability to create characters that resonate with individuals across cultures and generations. The Sailor and the Mermaid, reimagined within the context of the Venice Carnevale, became symbols of freedom, individuality, and the power of self-expression.

The presence of these iconic characters at the Carnevale served as a vibrant reminder that fashion is not just about clothing; it's about storytelling, about celebrating individuality, and about embracing the transformative power of disguise. Gaultier's vision, brought to life in the heart of Venice, proved once again that fashion, like art, can transcend boundaries and spark the imagination, leaving a lasting impression long after the masks have been removed and the Carnevale has come to an end. The Sailor and the Mermaid, adrift in the sea of costumes, were a testament to the power of design and the enduring legacy of Jean Paul Gaultier.

Emy and Gabriele's costumes for the Venice Carnevale perfectly captured the enchanting dichotomy of mermaid and sailor. The mermaid costume likely shimmered with iridescent scales and flowing fabrics, evoking the mystery and allure of the deep sea. With hues of aquamarine, pearl, and coral blending seamlessly, perhaps adorned with delicate netting and shell embellishments. In stark contrast, the sailor's outfit would have represented a life of adventure and navigation, possibly featuring a crisp, white uniform, brass buttons, and a jaunty cap. The juxtaposition of these two figures, one mythical and the other a symbol of human exploration, created a compelling visual narrative reflecting the spirit of Carnevale – a celebration of fantasy, tradition, and the exploration of contrasting identities. The craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in Emy and Gabriele's creations surely made them a captivating presence amidst the grandeur of the Venetian festivities.

I have been friends with Emy and Gabriele for almost a decade now. I am always amazed at their creativity and neverending amount of energy at the Venice Carnevale. They always bring with them numerous costumes, almost a different one for each day of the Carnevale. Mermaid and Sailor is one of my all time favourites because I just love photographing mermaids and characters with a sea theme and Jean Paul Gaultier is one of my favourite fashion designers. This photo shoot lasted a whooping 7 hours...from midday to the evening...

As usual, we did pictures at the Blue door, my outdoor studio, a gondola shoot and a super long session at Ca Sagredo.

In my decade long work history as a photographer, this is my longest photo shoot ever. The session could have gone for much longer if it hasn't been for nightfall - cos I shoot only with natural lighting most times. Mermaid and Sailor is a costume done only for one day at the Venice Carnevale, and with this, most of it was done at Ca Sagredo and on the gondola away from everyone else, so it's seen aplenty by the crowd at the Carnevale but not photographers.

"L’incanto delle sirene e un richiamo irresistibile, un canto melodioso che trascina l’anima in un mare di emozioni, dove la ragione svanisce e il cuore si impossessa della paura, guidandoci verso l’ignoto." - Emy Sabbatini

The enchantment of the sirens and an irresistible call, a melodious song that drags the soul into a sea of ​​emotions, where reason vanishes and the heart takes on fear, guiding us towards the unknown.

The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians and an increasing number of foreign costumers now prefer historical costumes, painted faces or other non masked costumes. During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives...