Classic 2009
Fantasy, by Richard Wheeler.
Photographed for Emperors New Clothes. New York City.
This came to meafter a careful study ofthe artworks of Gil Elgren, perhaps one of the most highly regarded, talented Pin Up artists – prominent during the 1930's through the 1960's. Also driving this inspiration is my love for the grainy imagery and colors of this era, not to mention the hair styling and make up.
I wanted to make a contemporary image based upon these times – the beautiful portrayal of women, how it must have been to be alive during this era – I wanted to celebrate the great American Pin up.
Retro Line
We've rewound to the time when it all began: boom boxes, dokie ropes, and graffiti art. This is our homage to the era. After meeting the Retro Kidz we immediately knew there was no one to better represent the line.
There isn't a day in the executive suite when some throwback to the eighties occurs - whether it be a fond memory shared or a favorite song from the time when things were still new and exciting, when the words low and fat weren't synonymous with each other and rock stars still behaved like rock stars. It was a time when to shirk work was a celebratory experience rather than a sacrilege; when we still innocent and full of dreams.
The Retro Kidz understand this - understand the importance of that last, most meaningful decade - and so our Retro line was born and immediately photographed on this fantatic group of kids who seem to understand the importance of laughter, playfulness and fun.