LONESOME: WITH CABARET STAR KILIAN ANDROKILL
LONESOME is an editorial masterpiece that seamlessly merges cabaret allure, Bowie-inspired glam, and avant-garde fashion. Featuring drag cabaret performer Kilian Androkill, the story explores individuality and artistic expression in stunning detail. Captured by French Cowboy (Mia Macfarlane & Julien Crouïgneau), styled by Véronique Droulez and Jean Luc Favre, and brought to life with Ludovic Dupuis’s transformative makeup, this editorial pushes boundaries at every turn.
The Vision: Cabaret Meets Bowie’s Iconic Rebellion
Set against a backdrop of glam-rock nostalgia, LONESOME STAR seamlessly blends the theatricality of cabaret with David Bowie’s androgynous edge. As the story unfolds, the editorial channels Bowie’s experimental spirit through bold silhouettes, dramatic accessories, and a fearless approach to styling. Reflecting Kilian Androkill’s roots as a performer at the legendary Madame Arthur cabaret in Paris, the shoot pays homage to the beauty of transformation.
The styling, meticulously curated by Véronique Droulez and Jean Luc Favre, amplifies this narrative by combining daring textures, structured shapes, and whimsical accents. For instance, a Faith Connexion jacket and pants, paired with a Nick Fouquet hat and Helene Zubeldia jewelry, strikes a perfect balance between drama and sophistication. Meanwhile, structured designs by Seyit Ares and vibrant accessories by Manish Arora seamlessly weave cabaret theatrics with contemporary elegance. Finally, a flowing Yoshi Kimono, styled with pieces from Lazo Schmidl, beautifully ties together the story’s theatrical energy with Bowie’s otherworldly aesthetic.
2. Kilian Androkill: Cabaret Performance Meets High Fashion
At the heart of LONESOME STAR is Kilian Androkill, who effortlessly radiates the same enigmatic energy that Bowie brought to his performances. As a seasoned performer from Madame Arthur, Kilian’s ability to blend theatricality, raw emotion, and bold creativity makes them the perfect muse for this editorial.
“Kilian’s ability to channel raw emotion through every look is extraordinary,” says Mia Macfarlane, one-half of the photography duo French Cowboy. “They embody the spirit of Bowie while making it entirely their own.”
Throughout the shoot, Kilian transitions seamlessly from look to look, embodying the essence of each outfit with confidence and poise. Whether enveloped in a shimmering Seyit Ares jacket or draped in an ethereal Yoshi Kimono, Kilian transforms each ensemble into a statement of power and vulnerability. Furthermore, the Bowie-inspired makeup by Ludovic Dupuis, featuring metallic tones and exaggerated shapes, amplifies Kilian’s striking features and magnetic presence. Not only does this makeup enhance the storytelling, but it also elevates the overall visual impact of the editorial.
3. The Details: Where Collaboration Meets Creativity
The success of LONESOME STAR lies in its seamless collaboration, where every element contributes to the editorial’s vision. For example, designers like Maison Davide Bazzerla infuse edgy modernity with their chokers and structured tops. While Marta Martino’s sleek jeans provide a timeless counterbalance. At the same time, statement accessories from Manish Arora and Helene Zubeldia add bursts of whimsy and opulence.
Moreover, styling legends Véronique Droulez and Jean Luc Favre push creative boundaries throughout the shoot, crafting looks that echo the glamour of cabaret while incorporating Bowie’s rebellious edge. From the sharp tailoring of Faith Connexion to the avant-garde brilliance of Seyit Ares, each piece tells a powerful story. By blending modern design with vintage inspiration, the team creates an editorial that feels fresh yet timeless.
Ultimately, LONESOME STAR celebrates the fearless and redefines the boundaries of cabaret, performance, and fashion. By blurring the lines between art and identity, the editorial invites viewers to revel in the power of transformation. Kilian Androkill doesn’t just wear these designs—they live them, reminding us that, as Bowie said, “We can be heroes.”
Team Credits:
Photographer FRENCH COWBOY A Mia Macfarlane & Julien Crouïgneau Creation
MODEL Kilian Androkill
Art Directors & Stylists Véronique Droulez & Jean Luc Favre
HAIR STYLIST & MUA Ludovic Dupuis
CASTING Auricio
Jacket & pants Faith Connexion, hat Nick Fouquet, jewellery Helene Zubeldia, veil Savoar Fer.
Blue jacket & pants Seyit Ares, earrings Helene Zubeldia, hat Coco Shnick.
Jacket Seyit Ares, earrings Helene Zubeldia, hat Coco Shnick.
Green sequin top & pants Lazo Schmidl, Small bag Manish Arora, headpiece Helene Zubeldia.
Top & pants Lazo Schmidl, Small bag Manish Arora, headpiece Helene Zubeldia.
Jean and gold Top & choker Maison Davide Bazzerla, jeans Marta Martino.
Top & choker Maison Davide Bazzerla, jeans Marta Martino.
Kimono Yoshi Kimono, small bag Manish Arora, headpiece Helene Zubeldia.
Top & pants Lazo Schmidl, kimono Yoshi Kimono, small bag Manish Arora, big bag Chanta, boots Rynshu, headpiece Helene Zubeldia.
Jacket & pants Faith Connexion, hat Nick Fouquet, jewelry Helene Zubeldia.
Want More: NEVER MIND: A Fashion Editorial That Rocks, Rolls, and Rebels
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