Young fashionistas and models, beware! Smoking might seem cool and glamorous, but the decay and slow death that ensues will destroy you, starting with your modelling career. 'Smoking Death' is an anti-smoking photo series envisioned by stylist Aki Quang that gets the anti-smoking message across without seeming patronizing and uncool.
This "smoking-hot" photo shoot starring model Cao Lam Vien and shot by Hao Nhien offers an interesting twist on the widespread glamorized images of smoking in fashion and pop-culture.
At first glance, model Cao Lam Vien looks like he is enjoying his cigarettes, which seems like the habitual glorification of smoking; however, the viewer then sees the slow death it causes. Cao Lam Vien does more than enjoy one puff in these images -- he is shown chain-smoking, handling more than four skinnies at once, with physical decay, second hand smoking and addiction prominently highlighted throughout the shoot.
Aki Quang and Hao Nhien's 'Smoking Death' shows that the anti-smoking message can be successfully propagated by an appealing image, rather than horrifying images of cancerous organs or patronizing after-school specials.
Artful Anti-Smoking Photography
'Smoking Death' by Aki Quang Makes Smoking Unglamorous
Trend Themes
1. Anti-smoking Campaigns - Opportunity for businesses to create innovative anti-smoking campaigns that don't seem patronizing and are appealing to younger generations.
2. Subversive Fashion Photography - Opportunity for brands to create fashion photography that subverts traditional beauty standards and promotes deeper messages.
3. Alternative Health Messaging - Opportunity for health organizations to take creative and alternative approaches to convey health and wellness messaging to younger audiences.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Fashion industry can create images that subvert traditional beauty standards and incorporate positive messaging.
2. Health Industry - Health industry can use creative approaches and non-typical messaging to encourage healthy lifestyles in younger audiences.
3. Advertising Industry - Advertising industry can explore new ways to create messaging that appeals to younger generations without being patronizing.