# Gothic Saint Portraits Natalie Shau Photographed Modern-Day Saints for The Blessed By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2015-02-24 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-blessed References: [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/23672295/The-Blessed-modern-saints) & [natalieshaurbonmade](http://natalieshau.carbonmade.com/) Lithuanian illustrator and photographer Natalie Shau has created a set of [book covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-decors) for The Blessed, a book series by Tonya Hurley. The dark, thrilling series centers around a group of modern-day teenagers that have been reincarnated as saints. According to Kirkus reviews, "the girls may be saints, [but] they are definitely not angels.” Shau kept this description in mind when designing the covers, merging the unlikely elements of teenage-hood and sainthood together with deftness and clarity. The subjects have an ethereal air to them -- translucent skin; luminous eyes; a halo; -- that's blemished with the earthly pleasures of sex and intrigue. There is a darkness to the [Saints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plumping-retinol-eye-creams) that's not typically associated with Godliness and holiness. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dark Saint Imagery:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating controversial and provocative religious art that challenges traditional perceptions. - **Reimagining Religious Figures:** Space for disruptive innovation in reinterpreting saints and religious figures in a modern, edgy way. - **Merging Opposing Concepts:** Potential for disruptive innovation in merging contrasting themes, such as teenage culture and sainthood, to create compelling narratives. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Illustration:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating unique and thought-provoking artwork that challenges conventional notions of religious imagery. - **Publishing and Literature:** Space for disruptive innovation in redefining how religious figures are portrayed in literature and book covers, appealing to a younger and more alternative audience. - **Fashion and Beauty:** Potential for disruptive innovation in incorporating dark and ethereal elements inspired by the Saints into fashion and beauty trends, catering to those seeking a more unconventional aesthetic. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nautical Gothic Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salem-gothic.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Gothic Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gothic-revival.md) - [Religious Mascot Official Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luce.md) - [Handcrafted Flower Crown Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handcrafted-flower-crown.md) - [Unique Artistic Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md)