# Crossdressing Celebrity Photoshoots James Franco's Self Portrait Series Plays with Gender By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-04-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-portrait-series References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2014/04/15/james-franco-dresses-drag-mimics-cindy-shermans-photographs/) & [pacegallery](http://www.pacegallery.com/newyork/exhibitions/12662/new-film-stills) Known for throwing himself into every role, actor James Franco does it a little differently this time in this self portrait series in which he mimics legendary photographer Cindy Sherman. The eccentric star is currently exhibiting his self portrait series in which he poses a la Sherman in her 1970s student project 'Untitled Film Stills.' Franco actually does a pretty good job in his silver gelatin prints and mixes visual aesthetics with depth by reflecting on [notions of identity, gender](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take) and time. Unlike what we're used to seeing in [contemporary drag](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tough-guys-soft-sweaters), Franco makes sure his masculinity is not lost by wearing unconvincing wigs and makeup. In the 'New Film Stills' project, the actor chooses not to complete the transformation and refuses to lose himself in the character. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Gender-bending:** Exploring the boundaries of gender through crossdressing and self-portraits offers an opportunity for artists and brands to challenge traditional notions of identity. - **Artistic Self-expression:** Celebrities using self-portraits to express themselves creatively open up possibilities for new art forms and mediums in the digital age. - **Reinterpreting Icons:** Mimicking legendary photographers and reinterpretation of their works by famous individuals unlocks new ways to pay homage and provoke critical conversations surrounding art and fame. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Photography:** The art and photography industries can embrace the challenge of pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of self-expression through crossdressing and self-portraits. - **Fashion and Beauty:** The fashion and beauty industries can leverage the trend of crossdressing celebrity photoshoots to break gender norms and expand their target audience by promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance. - **Entertainment and Media:** The entertainment and media industries can capitalize on the popularity of crossdressing celebrity photoshoots to generate buzz, drive conversation, and enhance brand collaborations with artists and celebrities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cinematic Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alessandro-micheles.md) - [Neo-Mexican Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/para-morelio.md) - [Cinematic Thriller-Inspired Runways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jw-anderson-fw-2024.md) - [Body Paint Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miley-cyrus-maison-margiela.md) - [Disruptive Fashion Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks.md) - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Redefined Masculinity Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tough-guys-soft-sweaters.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md)