Photo Assistant: Cruz Moreno
Stylist: Susan Stein
Hair & Makeup: Chelsea Dorris
Style Assistants: Madeline Ewles and Julissa Perez
Models: Yasmina Jones, Anna Korzun, Logan McNeil, and Firat Bayan.
VIDEO: Gain a behind-the-scenes look of the fashion shoot at The Avalon.
La Ronde (originally, Reigen) is a play written by Austrian writer Arthur Schnitzler in 1897. Ten pairs of characters interact before and after their sexual encounters. It’s no surprise that the play was highly controversial and not performed publicly until 1920. It has been suggested that the subtext of the play by the qualified physician was how venereal disease was transmitted across social and economic lines.
Schnitzler’s play is better known by its French title because that was its title in the 1950 film by famed director Max Ophüls.There have been many “loose” adaptations. American director Alan Rudolph’s 1984 film, Choose Me, is said to be inspired by it. (Natori silk embroidered caftan, $3,500, Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Desert; Dior sunglasses, $350, Wil Stiles, Palm Springs.).
The original concept for the Palm Springs Life shoot was to show encounters between the characters in the large cabana at the Avalon Hotel as if it were a theater stage. After seeing the Avalon’s grounds, photographer Fredrik Brodén decided to create multiple set pieces. This shot was the only made in the main cabana (Her: Versace black jersey tank dress, $1,300; Joe Vilaiwan crystal necklace, $880; Barbara Bui silver handbag, $660; Pollini black strappy shoe, $960; Him: Belvest black dinner jacket, $4,195; Ermanno Scervino tuxedo shirt, $510; all available at Presage.) .
Brodén, a Swedish-born artist who lives in Dallas, Texas, was inspired by Helmut Newton in his approach to this shoot. Brodén has been published in numerous media, including books and advertising. (Her: Maison de Papillon silk charmeuse slip and matching coat, $1,150, at Presage; Miu Miu natural suede slide with marabou pom poms, $690, at Saks Fifth Avenue) Him: Wil Stiles short-sleeved shirt, $139, and J. Lindeberg orange shorts, $139, at Wil Stiles. Tudor Pelagos stainless steel watch, $4,400, at Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers, El Paseo, Palm Desert.).
Born in Germany, Newton emigrated in 1938 and began his renowned career as a fashion photographer in Australia after World War II. (Her: 3.1 Phillip Lim front zip short, $295; Casadei mesh ankle-strap sandal, $960; Saks Fifth Avenue. Him: Leonardi dinner jacket, $360; Wil Stiles white shirt, $139; J. Lindeberg shorts, $139, Wil Stiles.).
Several of Newton’s most famous images, such as Jail Bait, were made in Palm Springs. He died in 2004 when his car went out of control in the driveway of Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont. (Him: Eight X patterned shirt, $169, at Wil Stiles. Her: La Perla green triangle G-string, $170, and triangle bra, $310, at Presage; Trina Turk paisley blouse, $258, at Trina Turk, Palm Springs; Dior sunglasses, $320, at Wil Stiles.).
Canadian art director and designer, Tom Brown, who is responsible for Palm Springs Life’s new redesign, was particularly drawn to the graphic elements of this patio door. (TW Steel pink canteen watch, $295, Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers.).
Ukrainian model Anna Korzun, recently relocated to Los Angeles. When asked during lunch how many languages she speaks, she shrugged and said modestly, “Five or six.” (Trina Turk long print caftan, at Trina Turk. Fourteen-karat white gold diamond station necklace, $3,300, Frasca Jewelers, Palm Desert. Ananlili navy chiffon caftan dress, $369, Wil Stiles; Casadei nude mesh ankle-strap sandal, $960, Saks Fifth Avenue.).
Formerly the Viceroy, the Avalon is a deceptively large hotel property with three pools, a spa (the Estrella, where the crew set up camp) and the excellent, outdoor Chi Chi Restaurant. (Canepa Spa Tropical Evening swimsuit, $125; Christophe Robins Monaco swimsuit, $168, Saks Fifth Avenue.).
In addition to hotel rooms, 13 one- and two-bedroom villas populate the grounds of the Avalon. As evidenced by this encounter between Logan and Yasmina, secluded space is abundant on the Avalon’s grounds. (Her: Maison de Papillon white silk tuxedo camisole, $225; Maison de Papillon black charmeuse boxer short, $165, at Presage. Him: Vince Woodhall blue jean, $175, Presage.).
Blue and white halter neckline one-piece swimsuit by Robin Piccone, $126, at 4 Seasons Swimwear, El Paseo, Palm Desert.