Have you ever wondered what goes into the planning and execution of a fashion photography session? Luckily for you, we have the behind the scenes scoop on our recent World War II inspired photo shoot! So let’s take a step back in time with our World War II inspired photo shoot to an era of fighter pilots, Ford coupes, and wool pants.
We set up at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, which made for the perfect historical backdrop. The Air & Space Museum is located in Hanger 1 of the former Lowry Air Force base, equipped with “50 iconic aircraft dating from 1939 to 1990.” We were truly in awe!
Greg Kyle, our incredible model, is actually a World War II historian and reenactor. He also volunteers at Wings Over the Rockies in his spare time, making him our go-to guy for all plane related questions.
Inspiration
As a World War II historian and reenactor, Greg strives to wear the exact uniform of the World War II veterans being honored at certain historical events. Therefore, he rarely dresses as a civilian from the 1930s and 1940s. But he was excited to mix things up for our World War II inspired photo shoot. His inspiration? Jack Nicholson’s character, J.J. Gittes, in the film Chinatown and his “impeccable, stateside wardrobe.” As fortune had it, Greg also had access to a 1934 Ford Coupe and a few World War II airplanes. Picture perfect!
Authentication
The most difficult part of our World War II inspired photo shoot was selecting wardrobe pieces representative of the era. Lucky for us, Greg is an expert!
While nearly all reenactors and fashionistas would prefer to wear authentic, vintage clothing produced half a century ago, finding these items is rather tedious. A vintage clothing expert once told Greg that in the 1980s, many clothing manufacturers’ lines were reminiscent of the 1940s designs. Some designers, including Ralph Lauren, and various Italian companies, still design using influences from that earlier era. So we believe, regardless of the brand and cost, if the piece looks correct, then it is correct.
The Clothing
Here is a closer look at the individual fashion pieces Greg wore for our World War II inspired photo shoot. His double-breasted sport coat is made of 65% polyester and 35% rayon. This is a modern blend instead of the luxurious wool from the era. We think it still looks authentic! His pants, made in Italy by Barry Bricken, are 100% wool and drape exactly like a vintage version would. Greg claims that “these pants are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn!”
Finding shoes similar to or actually produced in another era can be challenging. But Greg found succes with a pair of Ferro Aldo shoes. While they were inexpensive and look the part, they are vinyl and will most likely not last long with general wear and tear.
By simply tucking a tie into his suit and topping his head with a straw fedora, Greg’s World War II inspired photo shoot outfit is complete! From these photos, it looks like he just stepped out of the 1940s, Ford included.
