MATADOR: A Beauty Editorial With Spanish Passion & Danger
Photographer Frankie Batista channels the intensity and allure of Pedro Almodóvar’s 1986 erotic thriller “Matador”. This striking homage to the Spanish filmmaker’s masterpiece delves into the dark, sensual undercurrents of Almodóvar’s tale. Which revolves around an ex-bullfighter and a murderous female lawyer who derive sexual satisfaction from acts of murder. The editorial masterfully encapsulates this dangerous allure and fervent passion, blending high fashion with an edge of peril.
A world where beauty and danger intertwine
Model Keltie Straith embodies the essence of the film’s female lead, exuding a blend of seductive confidence and lethal elegance. Her portrayal channels the character’s dangerous allure, drawing viewers into a world where beauty and danger intertwine. Straith’s piercing gaze and commanding presence bring the narrative to life. Capturing the essence of a woman whose beauty is both beguiling and deadly.
The styling, orchestrated by Heidi Meek, plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Meek’s vision avoids traditional Spanish elements. Instead opting for bold, contemporary fashion statements that evoke the spirit of Almodóvar’s film through a modern lens. Each ensemble pushes the boundaries of conventional fashion, creating a narrative that is both current and timeless.
Emphasizes the duality of the character
Riku Campo, the makeup artist behind the editorial, utilizes MAC cosmetics to enhance Straith’s dramatic transformation. Campo’s artistry emphasizes the duality of the character: dark, smoky eyes that hint at mystery and danger. Contrasted with nude and muted lip colors that speak of subtle seduction and intensity. The makeup is both a tribute to classic Spanish beauty and a nod to the film’s darker themes. Encapsulating the spirit of “MATADOR.”
Through Batista’s lens, “MATADOR” emerges as a captivating narrative of Spanish passion and danger. This beauty editorial is not just a visual feast but a deep dive into the intricate dance between allure and peril. Inspired by the indelible impact of Almodóvar’s film.
Photographer: Frankie Batista @frankiebatista /
@ImajArtists
Model : Keltie Straith @Ford Models
Styling: Heidi Meek @The Wall Group
Makeup : Riku Campo @makeupbyrikucampo
@seemanagement using MAC Cosmetics
@maccosmetics
Hair : Patricia Morales @patriciamoralesla
@thevisionariesagency using Bumble&Bumble
@bumbleandbumble and Harry Josh Pro tools
@harryjoshprotools
Shot at: The Issue Studio @issuephotostudio
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Cannon is our Editor-At-Large since August 2016. He grew up in New York City and was influenced at an early age by rock and fashion. He is an award-winning celebrity stylist, fashion editor and creative director who has styled many of his favorite musicians including Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Jimmy Page and Shirley Manson. His wit, charisma, and style have made him a trusted and sought-after stylist by Hollywood legends such as Liza Minnelli, Willem Dafoe, Dennis Hopper, and Glenn Close.
Cannon has also worked with some of today's hottest celebrities, including Diane Kruger, Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, Penn Badgley and Kellan Lutz. He was the first stylist to get Barbra Walters into a pair of jeans for a photo shoot, and had the opportunity to dress Michael Jackson as the KING OF POP for MTV. In addition, Cannon also founded PLUMA- a luxury costume jewelry collection made exclusively in Italy that was recently featured on the cover of Italian Vogue. As a result of working with great musicians and celebrities, Cannon has contributed to multiple publications including: Rolling Stone, Vogue, Time, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair and W. He has styled large casts for every network including: Lost, Sopranos, The View, Project Runway, Kelly, The Today Show, Top Chef, and The Office. Cannon's expertise in fashion also has lent itself to him being in front of the camera as a style expert, with television appearances on E!, Style, VH1, CBS, NBC, ABC, TLC, and Bravo. Cannon has been an on-air spokesperson for TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Chapstick, Pantene, Dove, and Peanuts/Snoopy Worldwide. He has also been profiled in American, German and Japanese publications. In addition, Cannon was instrumental in organizing an inaugural panel discussing fashion and film for MEIFF in which he also served as a participant alongside Jason Wu and Kathryn Neale Shaffer, contributing editor at American Vogue.
Whether it's obtaining real museum pieces for a Discovery Channel commercial or recreating 50 unique culturally observant costumes for the worldwide launch of the National Geographic Channel, Cannon's respect for authenticity and his gift of problem solving has left lasting impressions on everyone he has worked with. Additional commercial work also includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Sony Music, RCA, Bravo Network, Sprint, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.
Cannon has styled fashion shows for Jason Wu and the Life Ball in Vienna, Austria, starring THE BLONDS, which is the largest AIDS benefit runway show in the world, that year hosted by President Bill Clinton and Eva Longoria. Other fashion shows include Snoopy in Fashion, Joanna Mastrioni to name a few. He has also styled shows for Safilo and their licensed brands, which include Gucci, Christian Dior, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Dior Homme, Max Mara, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger.
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