Parting Shot: Photoshoots in the streets of Hong Kong

The reference was obvious; the execution, perfection.

Photographer Olivier Yoan and our model and muse for the day — the incomparable Diane d’Arenberg — brought their A-game to a shoot that wrapped in just 15 minutes. We shot in the middle of the night in some forgotten corner of Sai Ying Pun/Sheung Wan, chasing the right street, the right lights, the perfect tone and texture — all while keeping Helmut Newton’s iconic 1966 portrait Le Smoking firmly in mind.

Calls were made to the powers-that-be at Yves Saint Laurent (hoping they’d loan a full menswear look akin to the original). Unfortunately, (re-named-) Saint Laurent didn’t have anything similar to the look… but d'Arenberg did. Because that’s exactly how she rolls. To pilfer a quote from her Insta (@post_ism)," Wearing my own hashtag#vintage and sustainable + unisex Berlin designers @estherperbandt on the streets of my beloved hashtag#HongKong. (I don’t smoke, so no ciggie with le smoking)."

Nicoline assisted with the lights, Olivier lay on the unwashed streets to get that shot and angle. I was prayin' the cops won't shoo us away. We'll do just about anything for the parting shot...