Fantastic Gymnastics

A personal project with gymnast Elise Lascaris-Pierre. I wanted to explore the visually rich world of gymnastics, and was inspired by the bold colours, variety of textures and graphic shapes in a training gym - from the shiny plastic of the crash mats to the soft felt of the floor and the surfaces of the bars slightly worn by chalky palms. Gymnasts are renowned for their strength and athleticism but also their grace and poise, and this combination of strength and femininity appealed to me. I cast Elise as she has her own attitude and personal style that I felt bought another dimension to the visuals. I wanted to modernise the traditionally somewhat formal nature of gymnastics with sporty street wear. The colours and textures in the wardrobe reflect the contrasting colours and textures found in the location.