Photographers - Francesco Nerone and Annalisa Sirignano
Stylist - Gian Marco Funari
Set Designer - Roberto Forte
Makeup Artist - Fabio Massimo del Priore
Model - Caitlin Frost of ICON Rome
Embroidered Dress and Fur by Roberto Cavalli
As the 2 year anniversary of OPALUS is coming upon us, we would like to reflect back on some of our favourite work we have published over the past 2 years, beginning with an incredible series by Italian photographers Francesco Nerone and Annalisa Sirignano, published in our 6th issue.
Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 in B-flat minor
A series by Francesco Nerone and Annalisa Sirignano
Written by Paula Blanco Longa
Francesco Nerone and Annalisa Sirignano photographs capture Chopin romantic and tantalizing Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 in B-flat minor in every flicker of light coming through Cavalli's embroidered gold dress and Melchiorri's luscious furs. The embodiment of a woman´s complexity: sensual and retrospective at times, face turned, masked, intimate while inviting. Then bold and fierce, looking straight to us through the lenses stepping out of the darkness and into the light embraced by gold, red and bare luminous skin.
Press play to listen to Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9 No.1 in B-flat minor and let it guide you through Francesco and Annalisa Imaginarium.
Fur by Merchiorri
OPALUS
Did you intend your audience to listen to the Chopin piece while they looked at this series?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
All this work was accompanied by this melody: from the preparation of mood board to the shooting and the post production. The idea has been to suggest to the viewer the same sensations that we feel while we are viewing the pictures and listening Chopin.
OPALUS
What inspired this shoot?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
This Nocturne … because it really evokes feminine grace and it is expression of real charm. We find many expressions that occur together, such as sweetness, tenderness, intimacy, dreamy but also violence, cruel and distant. The feature of this masterpiece is the surprise: it seems melancholy, but at the same time hearty as well as dramatic and sensual.
Skirt and Jewels by Roberto Cavalli
OPALUS
Did you shoot these images on film or digital?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
In Digital….it is a new world that still needs to be explored and researched. Digital offers an absolute control in every phases of the process, from the “click” up to the picture ready to be printed. Moreover, the post- production represent a creative moment for us like the shoot.
OPALUS
Is it unusual to see two photographers working together in a series, Please explain this creative relationship.
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
It is not very unusual….fashion photography is full of photographers that work in couple, such as Mert and Marcus, Inez and Vinhood or Luigi and Iango…..to cite some examples. According to us, if the photographers have a common point of view (obviously, sometimes it’s necessary to find a compromise), it is better to work in couple, for many practical reasons: each of us has a precise task and we are able to alternate during the shoots. We met at ISFCI, an institute of photography in Rome. I (Francesco) was a student and Annalisa was the assistant professor of fashion photography. Our collaboration was born from a great friendship and a common aesthetic.
Fur by Melchiorri
Embroidered hat by Giorgio Armani
Printed Dress by Roberto Cavalli
OPALUS
What can we expect from you both in the future?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
We hope to continue in this way trying to improve our point of view.
OPALUS
Do you have a favorite look from this series, and why?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
My (Francesco) favorite look is Melchiorri whereas Annalisa prefers is with embroidered gold dress of Cavalli. Both the looks show two different kind of expressions: from one side violence, cruelty and distance, from the other side sweetness, tenderness, intimacy. Maybe it represents the feature of our idea of “woman beauty”.
Fur by Merchiorri
Necklace by Gian Marco Funari
OPALUS
Do you listen to music usually when you work? If so what type?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
We listen to music during the shooting when it is possible; it always helps to create the right atmosphere. There is not a specific type….it depends from the mood!
OPALUS
What are both of your favorite beverages to enjoy while you are creating?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
Usually we drink “caffè espresso”. Don’t forget that we are Italians!!
Rompers by Gian Marco Funari
Fur by Roberto Cavalli
Shoes by Fendi
OPALUS
What colors are inspiring you both the most right now?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
Black, gold and red. Usually these are referred as the colors of the foolish.
OPALUS
OPALUS magazine is a visual arts magazine for the imagination. We love art that engages the imagination and we love to learn more about the similarities and the differences between artist’s imaginations!
If you took us into your imagination, what would it look like?
FRANCESCO & ANNALISA
We decided to work together because our imagination and our creativeness are similar. It could seem strange, but when we think for a project the inspiration moves together and each of us brings their own contribution. Our ideas come from our personal background, from our life and from our wishes. It is not exactly a pure fantasy or imagination; we take inspiration from every kind of arts. The most beautiful thing that happens during the preparation of a new project is the plethora of ideas that spontaneously comes to our mind. Starting from the past we try to create an imaginary that is reflected in a present aesthetic. The imaginary is in continue evolution even it is always different. Regarding a fashion photography it is necessary to respect some rules…there is not a total freedom, especially if the work needs to follow the guidelines of a magazine.
Top by Gian Marco Funari
Collant are Vintage
Jewels are Roberto Cavalli