Model Adrian Wyess Chang and photographer Matthias Vriens turn up the heat.
The pair took off to San Bernardino for a steamy fashion shoot in the high desert. With help from stylist Martin Gregory Jerez (@martin_gregory), Chang (@adrianwyess) and Vriens (@matthiasvriens) showed off skin and fashion while also discussing their creative process. See the conversation on the following slides.
Style -- and sexiness -- is about clothes but also about the balance between the skin we conceal and the skin we reveal. Any advice you can offer on the perfect ratio?
Adrian: I don't think sexiness has anything to do with how much skin you show. For me, it's what you exude when you are comfortable in your skin and don't take it all too seriously.
You’re a model — and you also work in interior design. What commonalities have you found between these two callings?
Adrian: That beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just like how one person may find me attractive and another not at all, the best design for a client must consider how they live their lives and use the space -- not just what I find to be aesthetically beautiful.
ADRIAN in a PRADA Wool Overcoat
You’re a dad. What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from parenting?
Adrian: Time spent with your kid is better than any new shiny toy, and it's always a good time for silly dance moves.
ADRIAN in a DUNHILL Black Trench Coat RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs DUNHILL Black Leather Boots
As a photographer, what is your process for capturing the beauty of a model like Adrian?
Matthias: Adrian and I met over coffee and became instant buds, and the idea of a road trip and getting out of the city came about. Literally the next weekend, we drove off to the San Bernardino desert. For me, a personal connection is everything. Needless to say, Adrian is a "pretty boy," yet what really counts is that he's a genius person. Capturing the "beauty" then comes easy. Also, it is a matter of trust on both ends. If the model feels awkward, my pictures, no matter how hard I try, will simply suck. You be the judge.
ADRIAN in JOHN ELLIOTT Cotton Utility Jacket RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs
How does a setting like San Bernardino factor into your artistic inspiration?
Matthias: In general, I seriously don't care too much about my surroundings. I can take a good picture in a closet -- as shown here also.
ADRIAN in a FENDI Black and White Checkered Overcoat RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs DUNHILL Black Leather Boots
What story were you hoping to tell?
Matthias: My pictures in general don't portray a storyline. If you fall in love with Adrian for a second over these images, then I've done my job. And how can you not?!
ADRIAN in a NUMERO 21 Wool Leopard Print Overcoat RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs
How do you bring about sex appeal in a fashion shoot?
Matthias: I think sex is my middle name.
ADRIAN in MOSCHINO Black Wool Coat with Latex Collar RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs
What’s the best piece you can offer to photographers hoping to capture the perfect shot?
Matthias: What makes sense to me photographically possibly doesn't apply to others. Take your own picture. Don't be concerned about technical aspects, reject anybody else's point of view, and become you. It's a rather simplistic approach, but with a contemporary situation where everybody is a photographer, what is the use to try and belong?
ADRIAN in K WAY Nylon Rain Coat RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs DUNHILL Black Leather Boots
Credits
Talent ADRIAN WYESS CHANG @adrianwyess @wyessdesign for @wilhelminamodels
Photographer & Creative Director MATTHIAS VRIENS @matthiasvriens
Styling MARTIN GREGORY JEREZ @martin_gregory martingregoryjerez.com
ADRIAN in JOHN ELLIOTT Cotton Utility Jacket RUFSKIN White Swim Briefs
