It was our pleasure to welcome Brett Bailey as guest curator and creative director of this very special Showbiz edition of Schön! Bailey was born a star. With his mantra of ‘dressing for pleasure’ and conception of fashion as a performance, he is the embodiment of the glamorous showbiz lifestyle. He attributes his fearless attitude towards dressing-up to his quirky and eccentric grandmother, Betty, who encouraged him to be comfortable in his own skin and express his individuality from a young age.
Described as a ‘tornado of talent’ in his younger years as a professional dancer, it was not long before he found his feet in the world of showbiz. His unique sense of style and love of the finest labels in fashion inspired him to make a name for himself as a fashion stylist in Los Angeles. Since then he has worked with some of the biggest names in the fashion and entertainment world, including Nicki Minaj and Rihanna, daringly pushing boundaries in fashion.
In a show stopping photo shoot for Schön! reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour and cabaret, the mesmerising Bailey shows off his fearless theatrical side. American photographer Elias Tahan plays with cross-dressing in this sensual fashion editorial titled ‘Dressing for Pleasure’. Enter the charismatic Bailey with glossy slicked back hair and dark, dramatic make-up. He poses in tights, jackets, dresses, coats and bodysuits by Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeremy Scott, Pamella Roland, Impero Couture, Moschino, Emanuel Ungaro, Victor & Rolf, Calvin Klein and The Blonds. The stylist’s own beautifully crafted, carnivalesque head pieces take centre stage while accessories from Balenciaga, Oliver Peoples, Mishka Piaf, M. Stevens, Alexander Wang and Armani complete the looks. Styled by Brett Bailey himself, this monochrome photo shoot will surely intrigue you and appeal to your theatrical side.
Words/ Lilidh Kendrick
Photographer/ Elias Tahan
Styling/ Brett Bailey
Styling Assistant/ Todd Pearce
Special thanks to Bobby Eliot, Anthony Nguyen, Patricia Morales & Karsen Richardson
