Kate&Naomi – The Polaroids Collection
Kate&Naomi – The Polaroids Collection
Kate&Naomi – The Polaroids
Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell are the two most famous British models of all time. Discovered my modeling scouts at the ages of 14 and 15 respectfuly, they have both gone on to have long, successful careers that have made them cultural icons that transcend their modeling careers.
‘Kate&Naomi – The Polaroids’ feature 10 luxury limited edition photographic art prints in a collection of just 100 pieces worldwide that were taken on the legendary giant Polaroid 20×24 camera in 2006 by Opus photographer, Zenon Texeira.
“It’s just incredible … because of the size it’s got such presence, they’re like coming off the page, it’s incredible”
Vivienne Westwood
The giant 20×24 Polaroids portraits of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell were exclusively taken as part of the Vivienne Westwood Opus project on December 5th 2006 at the Bedhead Studio, , London.
The two Icons of British fashion appear like never before. Each of the giant Polaroid portraits were created without any retouching or post production work that makes these photographs so unique. The sensual chocolate film used on the day to capture Kate and Naomi’s portraits is no longer in production, and defines the beauty of these photographs. In the millions of photographs taken of these two icons, they have never been captured in this way before or can be ever again.
A Photographer’s Diary
“I have a relationship with the 20×24 Polaroid camera that spans over 12 years. As part of Opus I have captured icons from the world’s of sport, entertainment and fashion but in truth the highlight of this period was on 5th December 2006. The Opus team and I were gathered to capture the portraits of the two greatest models of all time, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
We started the day at 5am at the Bedhead Studio in Battersea as Naomi had an early flight to catch to Italy. Walking down the street in the dark with polystyrene coffee cups to keep our hands warm the festive Christmas lights illuminated the shop fronts.
We set up the camera and waited for Naomi to arrive who has been known to keep David Bailey waiting for days. Luckily for me the wait was no longer than 45 minutes and the buzz in the studio was electric. Naomi apologised for being late and asked if we could start right away as she had a plane to catch.
I was surprised that she actually did most of her hair styling herself. Facially, her skin was flawless and in truth, defied her age. Her tall , 5ft 10 frame was boosted by typical giant Vivienne Westwood heels that meant I was looking up
to talk to her. There were several outfits that Dame Vivienne Westwood had picked out for her and she duly obliged. Naomi was impressed by the camera and said it was a first for her to be captured by such a beast and not to have a shutter taking six frames a second in front of her. The Bedhead staff huddled together in the doorway to watch Naomi pose, a 6000 watt flash bulb lighting the studio like a lightening bolt and then the nervous 90 second wait for the Polaroid to develop was pure theatre. Luckily for me each and every photograph was stunning and Naomi and I studied the prints as they dried on the wall.
It was unusual for Naomi to see the results of her shoot immediately on such
a grand scale. She loved it! The two hours we had with her whizzed by so quickly that I almost wanted the day to start again. The tales and stories that the media present of Naomi were a million miles away from the gentle, kind and professional model I met on the day. It was refreshing to photograph a supermodel as opposed to a sporting celebrity as the energy and shapes they present in front of the camera were so natural.
When Kate Moss arrived it was nearing 4pm. The day had been very successful and Kate’s photos were to be the last of the day. She arrived with cigarettes in hand and put a smile on the face of everyone she walked passed as she was directed to our make shift studio. Dame Vivienne and her husband Andreas let her settle down before explaining about the special camera that was brought over from Prague to capture her today. Kate was able to view the Polaroid’s that were taken earlier in the day and was mightily impressed.
At 5ft 7 and sun-kissed she seemed very cosy in the large winter coat she wore but was eager to get changed into the first outfit. When Kate re-appeared there was lots of activity around her. Checking for loose threads, tidying hair and adjusting the various garments she had climbed into.
Three outfit changes later Kate was on set when I noticed a little girl run into the studio. She stopped and waited patiently when she realised that we were in full swing and all standing still. Biting her lip and eager to be seen she continued to stand on the edge of the set. After the blinding flash everyone relaxed and started to walk around. “Mummy” the little girl whispered, “Can I?” Gesturing to walk onto the set. Kate’s face lit up and her little five-year-old girl, Lila, ran to her with open arms. I was so impressed that Lila understood not to run to her mother regardless, she had obviously been around photo studios a lot.
Between shots we were treated to renditions of Christmas carols and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Kate like Naomi made life so easy for us. Again Kate commented how it was unusual for her to pose for a single frame but this was the nature of the analogue camera that was more cumbersome than modern cameras.Lila loved watching the negative peeling away to reveal the Polaroid of her mother underneath. The fantastic results of the shoot with Kate put everyone in the room in great spirits. After having a quiet word with Kate I asked all those who weren’t needed to kindly vacate the studio as the noise was getting quite distracting and we felt we were in a goldfish bowl. It was probably timely as for the next shot Kate only wore a pirates cap for a
Lila loved watching the negative peeling away to reveal the Polaroid of her mother underneath. The fantastic results of the shoot with Kate put everyone in the room in great spirits. After having a quiet word with Kate I asked all those who weren’t needed to kindly vacate the studio as the noise was getting quite distracting and we felt we were in a goldfish bowl. It was probably timely as for the next shot Kate only wore a pirates cap for a close up.
As the shoot came to an end I asked Kate if she would like to have a family portrait taken. She initially declined but then said let me go and Lila if she’d like to. All we heard moments later was Lila declaring “Me” at the top of her lungs and stomping with a big smile on her face in front of the camera. Kate followed behind smiling too saying, “I think we’ve got one happy little girl… We’re just bringing the cat too!”
It was the perfect end to a perfect day. It was nice to be able to give something back to Kate for her giving up her time. Lila got a photo with her mum and dad… And pet cat which I was told years later has pride position in their country homeThe Kate and Naomi Polaroid’s are a stunning photographic collection taken with an analogue camera representing the best of film photography. It celebrates two wonderful British icons on a camera that takes photographs like no other ever made, so naturally, I’m extremely proud of what we created. I like to think we made a little bit of history that day which can be shared and enjoyed with a wider audience.
The Kate and Naomi Polaroid’s are a stunning photographic collection taken with an analogue camera representing the best of film photography. It celebrates two wonderful British icons on a camera that takes photographs like no other ever made, so naturally, I’m extremely proud of what we created. I like to think we made a little bit of history that day which can be shared and enjoyed with a wider audience.
Zenon Texeira, Opus Photographer
Luxury Limited Edition Prints in a Bespoke Archival Box
The luxury Polaroid photographic art prints measure approximately 20 x 28 inches and printed on a heavyweight 400gsm silk paper. The prints are presented in a black acid free archival box which can be bespoke with the owners name engraved into the hand made metal plate adorning the cover.
To reserve your box set of KATE&NAOMI – THE POLAROIDS Signed Limited Edition of only 100 worldwide please contact: [email protected]
This special print is included in the ‘Signed Edition’ of the collection, where photographer Zenon Texeira individually signs each print.
