Surreal and “outrospective”: Nadav Kander photographs “The Art of Fashion” for Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus commissioned Nadav Kander to photograph this year’s highly anticipated “Art of Fashion” campaign, which is making its premiere in the September edition of the luxury retailer’s publication The Book.

“Fashion design is an artistic expression of the designer, but ultimately it’s about the individual who wears the clothes,” Georgia Christensen, executive creative director of Neiman Marcus, tells Vanity Fair in a feature on Nadav’s “Art of Fashion” campaign. “Nadav’s craft,” Neiman Marcus vice president of brand creative Eddie Nunns tells the magazine, “is capturing the spirit of the individual.”

For the 26-page portfolio, which marks the 20th year of “The Art of Fashion,” Nadav photographed 15 models in 31 designer looks. “We created an incredibly simple set that was both surreal and outrospective,” Nadav tells Vanity Fair. “Most of my work inspires a stillness and a contemplation in people, and this campaign is no different.”

The false-perspective set, he explains at the Neiman Marcus blog, is “visually uncomfortable.” Underpinning his concept is “a gentle idea that nobody’s feet ever touch the floor.”

“Nadav beautifully bridges fall fashions’ more serious mood with the spirit of the individual. There’s a quiet motion and a solace that makes the work feel very relevant,” Nunns tells Vanity Fair. And Christensen agreed, telling the magazine that Nadav’s work is “a balance of mystery and beauty that you linger on.”

Below, highlights from Nadav’s “Art of Fashion.” View the complete portfolio here.

To watch Neiman Marcus’ short film on Nadav and the making of this year’s “Art of Fashion,” click here or scroll down to the end.