#adele thiel

Week 10: Raw Beauty on the Beach

I was in full agreement with the judges’ assessment of Adele’s shot being timeless; you could tell me that this was a Chanel ad from nearly any decade following the brand’s founding and I’d believe it. Her squatted pose may be somewhat unconventional, but it still manages to be very poised and refined, plus she did a great job of displaying the dress. The angle is perfect for her face and I love her charming and alluring expression. Adele’s luxurious shot is worthy of being a major ad campaign, and it’s one of my personal favorites of the season so far!

Adele did a fantastic job in this photoshoot! I think her arms could have more movement, but otherwise her walk is pretty great. It really looks like she snapped her head to face the camera at the last second and she looks very natural as a result. I love the warmth of her expression and how flirtatious and approachable she is, plus she looks absolutely stunning. With the overwhelmingly positive reviews Adele got at panel I was a bit surprised that her shot wasn’t chosen by the client, but at least she got an FCO for her effort from both me and the judges!

Deciding between my top 2 was incredibly difficult, both shots are the first things to come to mind when I think about this cycle, and both feel like superb modelling feats. Ultimately though, I’ve settled on Adele’s shot in second. It is still perfection though, Adele’s shining moment on the show. How she has retained such a poised elegant manner while perched like that is beyond me, it is beyond brilliant. Without a doubt one of the strongest brand representations I’ve seen on NTM, on any cycle. She fit the brief to a tea.

It isn’t a perfect shot, but it is my favourite of the week, and I feel it has a niche use as an ad in its current form. It isn’t a high fashion shot, there is something about this shot that makes me feel like it would work for an alternative fashion brand. The pose has a sense of energy to it, I think Adele’s makeover has always given her the look to do more alternative modelling, and even the dress and shoes too fit that vibe. It feels usable, and this week that is enough for me to justify giving it the top spot. In terms of Adele’s elimination, I wouldn’t have done so, but I feel like at this point for me it was a clear two-horse race with Clare and Tahnee, Adele had one shining moment but the majority of her shots were mediocre. I think top 4 is fair, I just think Cassi was probably a more justifiable elimination this week.

Of all the fashion icons, my knowledge of Greta Garbo is limited, but I think Adele did okay in terms of a fashion shot. I think here the dress looks great, and it feels one of the most high fashion shots, when looking at the styling, set and pose combined. I love the position of her arms and hands, very delicate and feel intention. The curves of her body too make the dress look great. Unfortunately the face is very weak, she hasn’t handled this makeup well. The expression isn’t reading as what I think she intended, and comes off as sleepy and weak. I think it is a usable ad, and more expensive and luxurious than Franky’s shot, but still not Adele’s finest work.

I wasn’t mad this was in the bottom 2. It’s a lacklustre photo, and I think the only reason I have it this high is because Adele did virtually nothing, so its naturally pretty. Her features aren’t distorted like Clare, but the expression is dull and lifeless. The body isn’t awkward, but there doesn’t feel like much actively done to enhance the photograph, even the pointing of the toes is kind of half-assed. I think the photo works better than those below it because of the vibrant hair and dress, but it doesn’t display Adele well as a model.

Even with some stellar photos from this week, Adele’s stands as the clear victor. The judges were spot on with their comments on this, it is timeless. This photo could be an ad from when Chanel was just founded, from 30 years ago, from now, and I could still see it being used 20 years in the future. I could go on about this shot forever, there is so much to praise – the pose, the face, the expression – but I really feel like the shot speaks for itself. It is one of those photos I never see any doubt on, it is successful on all levels and a shining shot to have an a portfolio. I was uncertain on Adele for most of this competition in terms of potential, and I think I’d have wanted her gone in week 4, but I am so glad the judges saw something I didn’t, as otherwise this shot would not exist.