Vibrant Photos Pay Homage to Slavic Folklore through High-Fashion Portraits

Vibrant images with a distinctive blend of stylistic influences are the modus operandi of Moscow-based photographer Andrey Yakovlev and art director Lili Aleeva (a duo known simply as Yakovlev and Aleeva). Placing an emphasis on feminine beauty and glamour, the creative husband-wife pair has created a photo series placing their subjects in traditional Slavic garb to create a collection of intense visuals. Dramatic and enticing, the duo are experts in forming memorable photographs by combining high-fashion with traditionalism to share a novel perspective.

This series’ modernized images of folklore present a variety of patterns, colors, and visually stimulating elements. However, they all share the recurrence of one particular object. Each photo features lovely adorned eggs somewhere within the frame, paying homage to the tradition of egg decorating. The art form is one that traces throughout many Slavic folktales with connections to religious themes, dating back to pre-Christian times when people worshipped a sun god named Dazhboh who favored birds as his chosen creatures. The eggs that the animals laid were thus seen as magical objects and a source of life, representing the rebirth of the earth. Placing these symbols in the foreground of their fashion shoots, Yakovlev and Aleeva add contextual depth to their presented collection.

The artistic duo, who are well known in the fashion community for their sophisticated artistic stylings, have continued to pull heavily from different eras, traditions, and cultures for this . By incorporating this variety into each of their photo shoots, they elevate their imagery with a narrative approach that translates into piercing portraits.

Andrey Yakovlev & Lili Aleeva: Behance
via [Design You Trust]

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