Blumarine FW 2023/4 Campaign with Abby Champion Lensed by Petra Collins AOC Fashion

Because model Abby Champion doesn’t have a gamine haircut, you are forgiven for not associating the Blumarine FW 2023/4 campaign with Joan of Arc. In fact, that is where the design season began and the runway show as well, for Blumarine designer Nicola Brognano.

Reeling back the creative impulse further still, the young creator saw a ‘90s image of a young Milla Jovovich with a Joan of Arc close-crop that captured his curiosity. This discovery took him to Luc Besson’s movie ‘The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc’, shot in 1999, with Jovovich as the Maid of Orleans, and she who was burned at the stake for her role as a fierce military leader during the Hundred Year’s War.

It’s no exaggeration to say that she saved France from the English by standing by the side of Charles VII of France. Her star fell quite a lot in the ensuing months and she was captured by Burgundian troops loyal to the English, accused of heresy and being demonic , stood trial, convicted and burned alive.

While I see no way of bringing this story back to Blumarine bonbons, there is a fix. Get photographer/artist Petra Collins [IG]. She’ll understand the need for a new femme in this story. And stylist Lotta Volkova has an uber-creative mind. / Hair by Holli Smith; makeup by Kali Kennedy

Pagan Goddesses and the Fiery Spirit of Liberation

It’s clear to me that someone on Brognano’s team said “Well, what about pagan goddesses? They played around with fire?” Perfect!

As the flames dance and flicker in the Blumarine images, illuminating the night sky, we are reminded of the ancient pagan goddesses who personified the power of fire.

Unveiling Italy's Pagan Goddess of Fire: Fiammeta

As we delve into the rich tapestry of Italian mythology, we uncover the captivating story of Fiammeta, the long-forgotten goddess of fire. In the ancient annals of Italy's pagan past, Fiammeta emerged as an ethereal deity, revered and celebrated for her dominion over the sacred element of fire.

Perfect, Lulu. Thank you. After watching Abby Champion undulating in the window, Fiammeta is an excellent choice.