Rising Photographer + Global Humanist Bibi Cornejo Borthwick Doesn't Buy Into 'Flawless'

Rising Photographer + Global Humanist Bibi Cornejo Borthwick Doesn't Buy Into 'Flawless'

Two words pop up in most narratives around the photography of Bibi Cornejo Borthwick: ‘intimate’ and ‘revealing’. Borthwick doesn’t shoot digital, preferring film. Her visual lens is not one of perfection. A quick survey of the Brooklyn-based daughter of fashion designer Maria Cornejo and photographer Mark Borthwick creates a defining image, one that resonates deeply with AOC.

Borthwick’s fashion photography career has moved into high gear in recent months. In the last six months, she’s shot three major editorials for Vogue US — including ‘Personal Best’ for the February 2019 issue, Victoria Beckham for Vogue Australia’s November issue and ‘Coolest Stales’ for WSJ Magazine’s December/January issue.

The activist appeared on the new Dazed 100 list. What got our attention is the Dazed reference to her Bellies project, cofounded with NBA player Wilson Chandler, the unisex sneakers for kids help America’s kids. For every pair of shoes sold, Bellies “feeds a belly”, working to nourish inner city areas while educating communities on the importance of nutrition in a bid to eliminate child hunger in America.

Boston Globe Writes Fashion Industry Sexual Expose On Patrick Demarchelier, Greg Kadel, David Bellemere, Karl Templer & More Model Aggression

Boston Globe Writes Fashion Industry Sexual Expose On Patrick Demarchelier, Greg Kadel, David Bellemere, Karl Templer & More Model Aggression

In what is becoming a fashion industry #MeToo moment, The Boston Globe released their investigation of sexual assault and misconduct accusations against at least 25 photographers, agents, stylists, and casting directors including Patrick Demarchelier, David Bellemere, Greg Kadel, Seth Sabal, Karl Templer and more. 

Models offering testimony include Abbey Lee, RJ King, Myla Dalbesio, Chloe Hayward and more prominent names in the industry. 

One of the industry's most prominent voices Coco Rocha told the Globe's Spotlight team that when she refused to get naked on the set at age 16, the photographer replaced her with a girl younger and more obedient. Months later, another famous photographer simulated an orgasm as he took her picture.

On her first test shoot at age 15, Dasha Alexander said the photographer held the camera in one hand and digitally penetrated her with his other. The move would make the pictures more "raw" and "sensual". I find this move laughable because a woman's sensuality is much more innate. If anything, the photographer would inspire raw fear -- unless the model was in full agreement with the gesture. If the photographer didn't ask her in advance about this digital penetration, he is guilty of sexual assault.