“Men fight wars. Women win them” -Elizabeth I I’ve been sitting on these sensational images for so long, it feels wrong to spoil only myself with their beauty. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to shoot with @lili__fang who’s gift of story telling brought my 2021 Halloween costume out of the bar and into the world of fantasy🤍🤍🤍 It felt relevant to plan our shoot around the neoclassical Romanesque architecture of the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, where the white marble and glazed subway tiles feel reminiscent of British architecture and classic symbols of government. I chose to do Elizabeth I specifically because I wanted the opportunity to explore the iconic shapes associated with her reign. The farthing-gale, lace ruff, chiffon wings; all exciting examples of historical fashion innovation. I also loved the idea of reimagining the ensemble, traditionally composed of twenty plus pieces, as one single garment. Something about unifying the outfit as one dress speaks to a language of costume and theatrical history that feels relevant to me? Statecraft is after all, just theater; and Elizabeth I was an early example of viral influence in the performance of fashion, and culture. I couldn’t be more grateful to @diana.dash for engineering this incredible vermilion Elizabethan wig for me. Every curl was hand twisted and pinned, it is genuinely a masterpiece, and the crowning detail in each of these images. The iconic red hair really concentrates the virility of Elizabeth’s persona in every portrait that remains of her. 📸📸📸: @lili__fang Wig: @doubledwigs Dress and headpiece: @jazzmint.dash