Photographer Colin Gaudet on inclusive beauty, and celebrating the individual
Writer: Truc Nguyen / Photography: Colin Gaudet / Styling: Amber Watkins/ Makeup: Brittany Sinclair @ P1M/ using make up for ever Hair: Ryan McGovern/ Models: Maya and Jade @ Chantale Nadeau
Top and pants - PASTÍCHE
On his website, Canadian photographer Colin Gaudet describes himself as a Nova Scotian, Sagittarius, music and concert lover, volleyballer and empath who can serve a good runway walk.
With his latest project, We Are Stars, the Port Maitland, Nova Scotia native can also add inclusive beauty advocate to the list.
“Working in the fashion and beauty industry, I fell into the trap of comparing my body and face to those of professional models,” says Gaudet, who has experienced both body dysmorphia and rosacea. “My struggles with appearance and self-worth have led me to find inspiration in others who are truly unique to themselves and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd,” he says. “I wanted to create a personal project highlighting these individuals who have the courage to stand out, and the beauty of being different.”
Stars combines a powerful portrait series with quotes from the subjects offering additional perspective and context. For the year-old project, Gaudet has photographed models ranging from a Drag Race star to a vegan chef, representing broad and more inclusive ideals of beauty and individuality.
“We Are Stars is inspired by the soul and spirit of disco,” explains Gaudet. “The name of this project came to me one evening while listening to the American singer Sylvester’s 1979 single, ‘Stars’. The lyrics describe the unique light within every individual, and how it’s their choice to access its power.”
Created with the aim of illuminating non-conforming and unique individuals, Stars is just one way that Gaudet is working to address and influence topics like representation and model diversity in the fashion and beauty industry at large.
Sweater - Alice & Olivia / Bra - Wacoal
“The content that we're bombarded with every day can get really overwhelming,” says Gaudet, referring to social media and Instagram in particular. “The line between what is real versus what is not real, and what has been created by makeup and what is the result of surgery, has been especially blurred now.” With the initiative, he hopes to call attention to the fashion and beauty industries’ unrealistic beauty standards, celebrate individuality, and question prevailing social, gender and aesthetic norms.
Gaudet sees this initiative as separate from but inherently connected to his advertising and editorial work for, where inclusivity and authenticity are also guiding principles. “So not just photographing the skinny runway models that we're accustomed to, but really showing people of different sizes, backgrounds, and ethnicities,” says Gaudet. It also means, in some cases, less retouching.
Top - Alexander Wang / Pants - Isabel Marant
On Maya: Dress (orange), A.L.C., Dress (yellow) Alice & Olivia / Shoes - Alevi ; On Jade: Dress - Halston / Shoes - Alevi
For this piece of Dauphine, Gaudet photographed two cousins, models jade and maya . There’s a sense of realism to the shoot, photographed using natural sunlight in a century home in Toronto’s west end. “I wanted to tell a bit of a narrative,” says Gaudet. “Maybe they’re about to host a party, but they’re also at home and it feels intimate and relaxed.” A few of the makeup looks offer a nod to the disco era, but there’s a deliberate naturalness and realism to the images. There’s minimal retouching, and a focus on the natural texture of the models’ hair.
“For me, this shoot is the start of a new path,” says Gaudet. “I really want to keep exploring, and build on this new approach.”
Coat - REMAIN Birger Christensen / Shoes - Charlotte Olympia
Dress - Dress the Population / Robe - Ralph Lauren
Dress - Open Edit / Shoes - B2