Louis Vuitton is renowned for supporting traditional craftsmanship with their leather goods, as well as embracing the avant garde and modernity, so it’s no surprise that they are championing one of the oldest forms of photography in their recent digital film project: Double Exposure.
The latest model in their Double Exposure series (the first was Sam Taylor-Wood) is actress Thandie Newton. She poses for a stunning old-fashioned portrait, and speaks on film about treasured possessions specifically chosen for the shoot.
The photograph is taken using the 19th century collodion wet plate photographic process, in which the sitter has to remain still for 12 seconds, creating a timeless and unique image. It certainly makes a change from today’s throwaway, digital culture.
“The images really take you into the heart of history itself. To parallel that we’re getting into the history of me through the items I’ve chosen,” Thandie explains. “One of the things about these photographs is the layers of meaning. Each picture is so unique so it just creates this desire to be my most essential self.”
Thandie decided to take in her passport, artwork from her daughter Riley and a painting from her childhood. We love the sense that in this campaign you are getting to know the model, rather than seeing her pretending to be someone else. More of this please, Louis Vuitton!
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