When translating our take on corp-core, an intriguing mix of daywear and corporate tropes, we called on photographer Alex Frank and stylist Alexa J King to interpret the concept visually. They crept down into the depths of the subway at 7 a.m. during fashion week to juxtapose the luxurious clothes of Givenchy, McQueen, and Celine with the gritty underworld of corporate Manhattan commutes. Ahead, they break down the happenings of the shoot along with their take on the trend.
Givenchy Hourglass Coat, $4,600, Givenchy Raven Slingback Pump, $995, Givenchy Pearling Silvery Crystal Earrings, $570; Givenchy.com
CELINE by Hedi Slimane: Tommy Jacket in Checked Cashmere , $4,350 USD, Cambridge Shirt in Striped Chambray Cotton, $1,300 USD, Marco Jeans in Soft Lambskin, $3,250 USD, Medium Victoire Bag in Supple Calfskin, $3,850 USD, CELINE Jogger Low Lace-Up Sneaker in Calfskin & Suede Calfskin, $870 USD; Vehla Eyewear Sunglasses; Simplicite Earrings
How was the day of the shoot?
Alex Frank: “It was fashion week, and our call time was 7 a.m. partially because it was on the subway, so I wanted to try and avoid crowds as much as possible. It was a Sunday morning, so we hoped the earlier, the better. And also, our makeup artist had gigs in the afternoon, but he was so busy he accidentally forgot to plug his phone in and didn't make it. So, we had the model do her own makeup. I ran across the street to Target and swatched lipsticks on my hand. But it worked out because the makeup look we wanted to do anyway was a no-makeup makeup look and a bold lip. We wanted to stay true to the workwear vibe; not many people are wearing full beats to the office. We always wanted to do a wet look. She has a really great bob, so we had her do the slicked-back look for the first few looks and then a messy bun like she'd had a long day and just threw it up in a hair tie for the last look.
“Other than that little hiccup, it honestly turned out perfectly. I live near Union Square, so we used my apartment as a home base and just shot around the subway here. We used Astor Place because I love the subway entrance right there, and then shot down in the subway right here at Union Square. It was kind of empty. We waited for the 6 to come for 15 minutes, but we finally got our shots. I've worked with Niamh a few times back in Michigan because that's where she was based. And Alexa and I have worked together for three years. So it was a very fun, natural crew and a smooth shoot day.
Alex, in terms of composition, how did you want to frame these shots to convey the theme?
AF: “Actually, we shot them backward from how we [initially] thought, because we really loved the Givenchy look. We wanted it to have a moody vibe, so that would surely need the depth of the subway, right in front of the subway car. We shot that first to avoid crowds. The second shot we did was the cutout McQueen suit. We found some red notes on one of the ticketing machines to match the top that Alexa had styled with it and did that as more of an entering-the-subway moment—her in-between full edgy look and casual look. The last one we did was the Celine look out on the streets, which we wanted to be more natural light and carefree, hence the messy bun and some of the smiley shots running through the streets. That smiling shot, there was a pigeon that flew right in front of her. That was completely candid, and she was freaking out that the pigeon had only almost attacked her. But it turned out cute. So New York.
CELINE by Hedi Slimane: Tommy Jacket in Checked Cashmere , $4,350 USD, Cambridge Shirt in Striped Chambray Cotton, $1,300 USD, Marco Jeans in Soft Lambskin, $3,250 USD, Medium Victoire Bag in Supple Calfskin, $3,850 USD, CELINE Jogger Low Lace-Up Sneaker in Calfskin & Suede Calfskin, $870 USD; Vehla Eyewear Sunglasses; Simplicite Earrings
I know we gave you the brief but what was your approach to styling this corporate mix with a daywear aesthetic?
Alexa J King: “I felt like the Givenchy look was the typical power woman going to work; she's the boss. I loved that look with the heel. It was so chic, all black. And then, moving into the McQueen look, I felt like this is our girl who has more fun in her dressing from day to day. Maybe she's not working her corporate job; maybe she's doing something else. I personally love Christopher John Rogers, the designer behind the ruffle top. Then she paired it with a loafer, which I love because, realistically, not every woman's wearing a heel to work. The Celine look gave me very much a casual Friday— she had a night out on Thursday and is now running to the office. She's still killing it but cannot think about a full outfit, so she's throwing on jeans, a button-up, and a blazer.”
What's your take on this trend? Would you wear it yourself or just something fun to shoot?
AF: “When I was in my office days, I would probably be leaning towards the Celine didn't-have-time vibe—to throw on some jeans,a loafer, and a blazer. That was always my vibe. But obviously, for the sake of fashion and photography, I probably lean more towards the Givenchy. Look, I love an edgy, dark moment.
AJK: “I'm an office girly, so I see myself in all three. I feel like the Givenchy look is perfect for an event or if you're really trying to impress a client. The Christopher John Rodgers and McQueen looks, I feel like would be my go-to for the everyday. The Celine is perfect for working from home. I, personally, shockingly don't wear sweatpants when I work from home.”
AK: “I’m wearing them right now.”
AJK: “I’m basically the opposite of Alex. No, I'm kidding.”
AK: “Alexa is known for slaying an office look, so that's why she was perfect for this.”