Dressed to seduce in Atsuko Kudo (the latex that made it’s name as a second skin for Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift in Bad Blood), Natasha Poly is camouflaged with a similarly blue, shrink-wrapped convertible in the autumn/winter 16 Mercedes Benz fashion campaign and film. Shot in a quarry in Miami, by Jeff Bark, the campaign is titled Obsession with an Icon, and sees the previous i-D cover star showing off the new Mercedes Benz SL. We caught up with the Russian runway star to ask about her own personal obsessions…
Tell us about the day of the shoot…
It was a night shoot so when I arrived around 3pm in the afternoon we started with the fitting and hair and make-up. They then properly showed me the car; it was all very organised and calm. When I walked into the venue I felt like I was on a movie set – it felt like a superhero, sci-fi movie. It was very unexpected for a car campaign. When it was dark we started with the shooting of the fashion film. I was wearing this beautiful latex outfit – a dress, stockings and gloves – in that beautiful deep blue colour. I felt very sexy and strong – like a superhero – the whole time. I was amazed how the car was displayed on that stage, covered in the exact same latex – you could see every line of that amazing design. It was all very cool and the acting was a different experience for me. I have never done a car campaign before and I really fell in love with the model and the latex idea.
How does wearing Atsuko Kudo make you feel?
She does such an amazing job because the designs are so sexy and you feel so powerful wearing them, it’s unlike anything else.
Who are you obsessed with right now?
My daughter.
What are you obsessed with right now, outside of work/the fashion world?
The TV show House of Cards.
What film are you obsessed with right now?
I definitely need to go see the new James Bond – that’s always a classic. I am not really someone who runs to the cinema to see new films, but with James Bond, I always go to see it with my family, it’s become a tradition.
What book are you obsessed with right now?
Since having my daughter, I haven’t really had much time to read, so my favourite book would probably be one of my daughter’s children books right now.
Who would you consider to be your personal biggest icon?
My mum. She always supported me and growing up she always gave me everything I wanted which was a hard thing to do during her time. She worked very hard for me and my family and I think it’s amazing what she achieved, my brother and I grew up so loved and feeling so safe. She is very special.
You’re an icon to many in the fashion industry, what advice would you give to young models who want to follow in your footsteps?
Sometimes it is really hard and I understand. Myself when I started, I didn’t know where I was going, what I was going to do and what it was all about, but what keeps me going is my idea and my passion about it. I really like to do photo shoots and walk in fashion shows, I like working with photographers to create art pieces like a picture that people are going to remember. Sometimes it is hard because there is a lot of competition, there are a lot of girls. I think you really have to believe in yourself and learn about the industry to grow slowly but then very surely to get to the top and you’ll discover a lot of interesting things. You need to have a motto.
What is your career highlight to date?
The first time I did a shoot with Carine Roitfeld for the cover of French Vogue. She discovered me and put me on two covers for the magazine when no one really knew me yet, so that was a huge deal for me. She really supported me over the years and helped me with my career, I am so grateful for that.
Where would you go on your ideal road trip?
The South of France is always amazing for a road trip. You can take a great car like the Mercedes-Benz SL and drive along the seaside with a convertible. But I also really want to take a road trip in Australia – that is definitely on my list.
If you could go on a road trip with anyone in the world past or present, who would you invite?
Elvis Presley would be the perfect partner to go on a road trip with, in a really cool vintage car.
What music would you play?
I wouldn’t need any music, just Elvis singing and playing the guitar – that would be so amazing wouldn’t it?
Natasha Poly, Jeff Bark and Atsuko Kudo are the team behind the Mercedes-Benz autumn/winter 16 Fashion Campaign Obsession with an Icon, showcasing the new SL.
Credits
Text Felicity Kinsella
Photography Jeff Bark