# Whimsical Watercolor Editorials Craig Mcdean Shoots a Mystical Karen Elson By Venessa Fisher | Published 2010-02-12 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whimsical-watercolor-editorial References: [fashiongonerogue](http://www.fashiongonerogue.com/2010/02/morning-beauty-karen-elson-by-craig-mcdean/) British beauty Karen Elson looks truly mystical in this whimsical watercolor editorial shot by famed photographer Craig McDean. The recognizable redhead works a variety of over-the-top looks made of a plethora of fabrics, colors and textures. The [full-feathered pants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-rose-sparrow) and top are incredible and give an animalistic vibe to the shoot. This whimsical watercolor editorial reflects some sort of [fairytale world](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roger-vivier-holiday-2025), if fairytales were filled with supermodels. **Implications** - Fairytales are a familiar artform across all generations and cultures that follow certain understood conventions and imagery. The excess of art, photography and fashion designs that are inspired by these age-old tales is an indicator of the power of familiarity and nostalgia in driving consumption. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Whimsical Watercolor Editorials:** The trend towards watercolor editorials in fashion photography presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the use of digital watercolor techniques. - **Mystical Fashion Imagery:** The trend towards mystical fashion imagery presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the use of augmented reality technology for immersive consumer experiences. - **Fairytale-inspired Fashion:** The trend towards fashion designs inspired by fairytales presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials to create ethically conscious clothing. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Photography:** The whimsical watercolor editorial trend presents an opportunity for fashion photographers to experiment with new artistic techniques and styles to create visually stunning and unique imagery. - **Fashion Design:** The fairytale-inspired fashion trend presents an opportunity for fashion designers to showcase their creativity by incorporating fantasy elements and whimsical details into their collections. - **Augmented Reality:** The mystical fashion imagery trend presents an opportunity for augmented reality companies to partner with fashion brands to create digital experiences that immerse consumers in fantastical worlds. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Whimsical Spring Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Anna-Suis-SpringSummer-2025.md) - [Whimsically Vibrant Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama.md) - [Politically-Inspired Runway Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selkies-the-libertine-collection.md) - [Ultra-Colorful Design Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whimsical-studio.md) - [Whimsical Couture Settings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chanel-spring-summer-2026.md) - [Whimsical Feminine Runway Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-rose-sparrow.md) - [Feminine Rebellion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/songs-of-siren.md) - [Intricate Bridal Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heli-kalkstein.md) - [Cinematic Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alessandro-micheles.md)