![Moscow, Russia, 25/04/2013. Ekaterina Karinskaya inside the Melnikov House [1927-1929], the most famous construction by Soviet avant-garde architect Konstantin Melnikov, in central Moscow. The house, which is slowly collapsing, is the subject of a complex dispute between the architectâs grand-daughter Ekaterina, who lives there and wants to turn it into a museum, her sister Elena, and businessman Sergei Gordeev.](http://www.jeremynicholl.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ru10103526.jpg)
Although fashion and war photography are often thought of as worlds apart this workshop will show the two are in fact closely linked: and when fashion and war photography come together the results can be very cool. In the past many photographers have been reluctant to move from the security of frontline embeds to the chaos of the catwalk because of the dangers associated with the fashion world. But figures show that relatively few photographers are killed or injured on fashion assignments, and the skills you learn with us will help you safely sashay your way to success.
Course leader is CNN Professor of War and Fashion Moni Basu. She will be assisted by Simon Barnett, author of the forthcoming Anyone Here Been Raped And Got A New Collection Coming Out? Special guidance on ethics and morality in times of war and fashion will be provided by John Galliano.
The workshop will be split into two parts. In the first week you will work independently in Afghanistan*. Working alone and blagging food and accommodation from foreign NGOs – although with a makeup assistant on call – will provide a basic grounding in the skills required before moving to the second stage. In week two you will be thrown into the fashion frontline and embedded with the Gramsci House of Couture before and during a major international fashion show.
Workshop graduates will receive a Magnum/CNN Conflict Fashion Pro Certificate™ – worth $100 at any Leica store – a CNN iReporter badge and a souvenir conflict photographer doll.
Subjects covered by the workshop will include:
- Hostile environment training for the fashion world
- How to air kiss privates on parade without embarrassment
- Improvised explosive devices: how to spot them on the catwalk
- Beauty lighting for firefights
- Suicide bomber jacket or cutting edge fashion: how to tell the difference
- Makeup: when to use for beauty and when for camouflage
- Fashion flak: next season’s colours for protective clothing
- What your scarf says about you
- Red dot or not: why the Leica remains the conflicted fashion photographer’s jewelry of choice
Demand for this workshop is sure to be high so a vetting procedure will be in place. All applicants must have completed at least one tour of duty at a recognised international fashion show. Applications by email only to fashionvictim@magnumphotos.com or wargame@cnn.com.
* Subject to availability, scheduled troop withdrawals and developments in US foreign policy. This section may relocate to Iran: please ensure you have all the necessary visas.
