The fashion industry will survive because art, individuality and beauty can’t be defeated by a virus.

An exploration of a strange new landscape. Sydney based creative and photographer, Blair Gauld shares with RUSSH his latest project titled No Contact. A visual experience into the somber world of COVID-19, yet the surprising spirit of the film stretches far beyond the pandemic. We chat with Blair below on what inspired No Contact and his uplifting hopes for the creative industry post isolation.

What inspired your latest project?

A few years ago, I was in Notting Hill in the peak of summer, I was shooting the busy markets and pretending I was Hugh Grant. I came across a retro clothing store which had 3 mannequins on the front entrance dressed in Burberry top to bottom, the light was perfect and I remember spending 5 minutes photographing them. I have always wanted to incorporate mannequins into a shoot or video for quite some time, but have never found the purpose or reason.

It just seemed right for this photo series...

What message were you trying to convey?

To show that we can still create photographs with a different approach, and one day when the industry returns we can return to these ideas and photograph them with a model. It also highlights the sheer coldness and isolation of the environment, the mannequins represent how we feel, being still and feeling frozen in a moment of time.

How has it felt being a creative during the time of coronavirus?

It has been hard. I moved back to Sydney from Perth at the end of last year to return to photography after not shooting for 3 years. I was taking a stint in cooking full time and living back with mum who is also a fantastic cook and woman. However I’m finding other creative pursuits, I have taken an interest in making mixes / compilations of music I love which has been extremely fulfilling.

What do you appreciate the most right now?

Skipping rope, making mixtapes for friends and to be honest often I would complain about never having enough time to focus / plan new ideas. I’m appreciating the time to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Also, I really appreciate my best friend Zoe, she has been the most amazing human right now, helping me produce my latest work and more to come. Having someone who is able to be by your side no matter what time of day it is and listen to me ramble on about thousands of ideas and reassure that I need to do it.

What do you miss the most?

Routine, people and seeing businesses thrive, I live in Potts Point which is full of so many great small independent businesses and right now a lot of them are closed for a short period of time or the unforeseen future which saddens me.

What is your current state of mind?

I know we will be back to normality soon and I will be stronger, loving and be more determined with my craft.

FILM Blair Gauld

HAIR Anthony Nader @ DLM

FASHION Rachele Edson

MUSIC Mia Wilson