# Fantasy Fashion Watercolors Serena Cole Paints Saint-Like Fashion Portraits By Tiana Reid | Published 2010-05-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/serena-cole References: [theblock-mag](http://www.theblock-mag.com/interview-serena-cole/) & [basebasebase](http://www.basebasebase.com/archive/bios/000205.html) Serena Cole is a [painter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olga-de-amaral) that, through her art, aims to question the saint-like status we've given to models in [fashion magazines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-femininity). Her subjects often have mournful faces, which reflect Cole's end of examining “the strange double-edged sword of being wanted.” Don't be fooled by her intellectual mission, the work Serena Cole is hauntingly beautiful from the immaculate technique to the floating portraits, and the [copper and gold leaf materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handpainted-ceramic-collections) that she incorporates. **Implications** - NO US OUR OR WE Tired of the cookie cuter models and figures we thoughtlessly accept as the definition of beauty and perfection, Cole's portraits are a play on the unrealistic nature of these standards. Claiming that sometimes these women are so strange looking that they hardly look like they're from the same species, Cole's saints are a metaphor for the tragic way in which we idolize the unattainable. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Challenging Beauty Standards:** Serena Cole's portraits question the unrealistic beauty standards by highlighting the strange and unattainable nature of fashion models. - **Exploring Identity and Mythology:** Through her art, Serena Cole examines the saint-like status of models and explores the complex relationship between identity and societal expectations in the fashion industry. - **Embracing Imperfection:** Cole's paintings challenge the notion of perfection by depicting women with mournful faces, emphasizing the tragic consequences of the obsession with unattainable beauty. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion and Beauty:** The fashion and beauty industry can consider adopting more inclusive and diverse representations of beauty to challenge the unrealistic standards depicted in Serena Cole's portraits. - **Art and Fine Arts:** The art industry can explore the use of symbolism and mythology, similar to Serena Cole, to provoke discussions about identity and societal norms. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Advertising and marketing professionals can create campaigns that promote self-acceptance and celebrate imperfections, inspired by the message conveyed in Serena Cole's work. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Politically-Inspired Runway Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selkies-the-libertine-collection.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Luxury Fashion Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-fashion-sculpture.md) - [Concept-Driven Retail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miya-ando-x-saint-laurent.md) - [Striking Glass Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits.md) - [Feminine Rebellion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/songs-of-siren.md) - [Art-Inspired Streetwear Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-echoes.md) - [Local Hotspot Fashion Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartbeat-campaign.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md)