Akris Creative Director Albert Kriemler and Photographer Mark Peckmezian have created an ad campaign that extends the Spring 2020 collection’s geometric materiality into the architectural space. The campaign film and photography feature Teddy Quinlivan, whose fair, lightly-freckled complexion looks luminous paired with straight-cut orange-red locks, imparting a youthful edginess to the campaign that is equal parts old-world glamour and techno-futurist glitterati.
Akris is a fashion house favored by royalty such as Princess Charlene of Monaco, due in part to the impeccable quality of the clothing’s construction. Akris collections are often minimal, sometimes even restrained yet unquestionably luxurious due to high-caliber fabrics and tailoring that is exquisitely refined. The Spring 2020 collection is no exception, with a range of tectonic patterns and angular accents softened by mesh-like textiles, translucency, metallic ribbing, and chic pastel sequins. Wisely the campaign’s set echoes the collection’s bars, blocks, and right angles in such a way that the more active clothing pieces are complimented, and more subdued navy and black silhouettes receive a gentle pop. A metaphor could be drawn to Quinlivan, whose presence also complements the clothing while simultaneously giving them a soft pop, like a delectably fizzy libation.
The campaign’s short film starts with Quinlivan speaking briskly into her iPhone, saying “Sorry I can’t talk right now, I’m shooting the Akris campaign.” Then she proceeds to turn on the charm with that difficult-to-define-yet-undeniable “It” factor, dancing and posing and displaying the yummy accessories in a way that seems fun and effortless. Both the film and photography are smart to put the handbags front and center, and Quinlivan has a knack for incorporating them into poses like a toy, or a treasure, or a trusted companion. Quinlivan made headlines in 2017 at age 22 when she came out as transgender, at which time she revealed that she transitioned when she was 16; in an interview with CNN, the American model said she didn’t feel the need to be vocal with the press about her gender identity when she first rose to fame in 2015, due in part to the progressive attitudes of the Obama administration. Speaking out against the increase of violence against transgender individuals under the Trump administration, Quinlivan has emerged as a role model for the LGBTQIA community and the world at large. Quinlivan’s partnership with Akris feels like a statement of solidarity from the brand, and a gesture of support for gender diversity and inclusion at a time that is critical for all communities with a past history of marginalization. All politics aside, Quinlivan exudes a graceful beauty, vulnerability, and delicate sophistication that makes her the perfect avatar to embody the brand’s elegant ensembles. Fingers crossed that the collaboration continues, and we can experience the pleasure of seeing Quinlivan dressed up in Akris’ gorgeous Fall 2020 collection as well.
Akris Creative Director | Albert Kriemler
Photographer | Mark Peckmezian
Model | Teddy Quinlivan
Stylist | Spela Lenarcic
Hair | Damien Boissinot