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, Editorial, Editorial, Editorial, Vertical, Vertical, Vertical, Vertical

Natural light, Natural light