Italian but London-based photographer Alessandro Merlo shot the campaign dedicated to the Garavani Tan-Go, Maison Valentino‘s shoes characterized by very high and imposing platforms, glossy patina, and ankle straps. “Our recommendation is to wear them with your birthday suit. They are the ultimate symbol of desirability”, is how Merlo talks about them.

In these country images-where we find trans artists Nettuno and Agnes Questionmark, along with model Lina Giselle and alla DJ Charli – shot in the gardens of the splendid location of Villa Arconati in the province of Milan, we find an exaltation of the body and nudity that goes beyond what are the stale canons of an outdated beauty. 

“My work tends to revolve around queer representation and the hacking of beauty standards, so this shoot really is a crowning moment in my photographic journey. Believe in the revolutionary power of the representation of unconventional bodies in visual culture”, Alessandro Merlo stated. 

The shots, in addition to showing us the essence of what Merlo wishes to convey through his work, create an almost bucolic atmosphere mixed with that typical of Renaissance portraits, thanks to the perfectly pruned hedges and huge sheets that serve as the backdrop for this depiction of beauty beyond all boundaries.