Si02 Element

For hard core fans of the Venice Carnevale, another big surprise from one of the biggest names in the industry... The costumes of Nicola Pignoli this year are again very unusual, very unpredictable and most unlike any of the others at the Carnevale. The concept came from seeing amethysts, a purple mineral (one of their favourite colours) and perfect representation of the earth and then a gecko... The costumes are difficult to put on and their mobility with the costumes are limited. The gecko costume is something like a wetsuit but of course much heavier with all the scales and amethyst crystals stuck onto it. Ilaria's corset is rock hard so she cannot sit or squat with it. Their concept is partially of a performing arts kind with the gecko crawling around on all fours, but I prefer my friend standing so most of my photos are of him standing or leaning against a wall. Initially, I was planning a sci-fi feel to the photos - a concept like that of the cult television series V, or some of the bounty hunters from Star Wars, but then later decided to do something more medieval. I finally settled on a Dungeons and Dragons feel to the photo…both Nicola and I are big fans of things like Dungeons and Dragons, Magic The Gathering etc. Just another portrait for my Italian friends at the Venice Carnevale.