Model: Emanuela de Paula
Photographer: Jacques Dequeker
Wish Report Brazil #46, MAY 2011
Stylists: Juliano Pessoa and Zuel Ferreira
Hair & Cosmetics by Lavoisier
I must admit that I had to actually gather my thoughts and do a little bit of research on various subjects before posting this particular blog post because of the mixed emotions that this Wish Report editorial stirred up in me. The first thing that made me stop and say "Oh no they didn't!" was the fierce cover boldly displaying a strong image of Emanuela de Paula looking very fierce and intense plus the phrase "Black Power" in bold print. To me "black power" has such a strong political meaning. I grew up in a very Christian-based household and was never allowed to entertain thoughts of wickedness nor darkness. I did not fully understand the concept of "black power" in relation to a fallen angel. Perhaps even today I still do not completely understand the dark, gothic world of angels with black wings and the true significance of it all.
Even though the cover of this issue of Wish Report is entitled "Black Power," the actual editorial inside the periodical is entitled "Dark Angel." As I studied the pictures I began to clearly see that in this context "black power" is used in connection to a "dark angel" or "fallen angel." Perhaps the editors geniusly entitled the cover this way to bring attention to this magazine issue and it's magnificent edgy fashion feature starring Emanuela de Paula. Clever, clever ... it surely caught my attention ... and I must admit that it is a brilliant work of fashion art photography!
Emanuela de Paula looks like an urban heroine standing between concrete columns and stainless steel cables. She looks strong and powerful like someone with supernatural powers. I see pain, anger, intensity and purpose in these photos. This type of editorial makes your mind wander to a distant place while opening up your heart and mind to reach beyond the controversial social concept of "black power" into the mystical realm of the term in association to a fallen angel from the heavens up above.
