Collectible Dry

Jun 2026

In this evocative portrait series for Collectible Dry, actor Willem Dafoe is transformed into a study of geometry, movement, and stark cinematic presence. The editorial project leans into the inherent versatility of its subject, utilizing a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow to explore the intersection of fashion and performance. Photographer Sven Bänziger masterfully navigates a range of environments, from the disciplined symmetry of a ballet studio to the clean, minimalist confines of a white-walled space, capturing Dafoe in poses that shift from the subtly graceful to the conceptual and puppet-like. Throughout the series, the styling by Aline De Beauclaire emphasizes structured tailoring and sharp, monochromatic silhouettes that harmonize with the deliberate framing. The production gains its visceral intensity through a mix of techniques, including high-contrast studio strobe lighting and the tactile depth of analogue film photography, which together accentuate the structural details of Dafoe's features. Grooming by Elisa Zamparelli ensures a crisp, polished finish that maintains the series' modern, clean aesthetic. By weaving these disparate elements—the geometric tension of wire-bound poses, the reflection-heavy dance sequences, and the intimate, chiaroscuro close-ups—the campaign presents a compelling dialogue between actor and image. The result is a body of work that feels both commercially sharp and artistically rigorous, cementing an editorial vision that prioritizes composition and narrative depth over mere portraiture.

Editorial, Vertical

Editorial