Maria Veranen by Willy Vanderperre

Space Cowgirl Chic

Maria Veranen takes on a futuristic, space-inspired aesthetic in this striking editorial for i-D Magazine Spring 2015. The shoot, photographed by Willy Vanderperre, embraces synthetic textures, all-white ensembles, and playful nods to science fiction while maintaining a contemporary fashion sensibility. Maria’s presence is delicate yet commanding, perfectly balancing the surreal environment with the bold styling.

Styling and Concept

The wardrobe combines minimalism with inventive detailing. Glossy fabrics, exaggerated silhouettes, and structured layers give the outfits a modern, almost otherworldly quality. The styling by Benjamin Bruno emphasizes contrasts between sharp lines and soft curves, creating dynamic visuals that feel both synthetic and human at the same time. Accessories are minimal but purposeful, reinforcing the space cowgirl narrative without overwhelming the imagery.

Hair and Beauty

Mari Ohashi’s hair styling adds a sleek and controlled counterpoint to the futuristic wardrobe. Hair is smooth, often geometrically inspired, complementing the sharpness of the garments and reflecting the light textures and glossy surfaces throughout the set. Makeup remains understated, allowing the editorial’s narrative and the model’s natural features to take center stage while enhancing the synthetic yet approachable atmosphere.

Location and Mood

The set itself feels like a vision of a future frontier, with clean lines and minimal distractions that draw focus to the model and clothing. Light plays across textures and materials, highlighting movement and detail. The combination of stark backgrounds and innovative styling creates a mood that is ethereal yet grounded, playful yet serious.

Why It Stands Out

This editorial works because it merges concept, fashion, and personality seamlessly. Maria Veranen’s petite yet strong frame gives dimension to each outfit, and Vanderperre’s lens captures the synthetic elements without losing warmth or relatability. The series showcases the imaginative potential of fashion photography when it embraces narrative, design, and model presence all at once.