Story
In celebration of the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy - the legendary motorcar figurine - photographer Rankin and luxury car company Rolls Royce united to re-imagine the `flying lady' in a contemporary way.
Over the course of a year, Rankin captured 100 images, one for every year of the Spirit of Ecstasy's history. Taking inspiration from the original story, which is shrouded in mystery and romance, Rankin incorporated a variety of themes associated with the mascot into his stunning portraits: the beauty of age, power and the confidence of femininity.
Details
Published - 2012
Pages - 234
Book Type - Hardback
ISBN - 978-0956779489
Publisher - Rankin Publishing Ltd.
Rankin
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director.
As a photographer Rankin's portfolio ranges from portraiture to documentary. He has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and The Queen to name only a few.
He is best known for work that is on the cultural cusp and leading future trends: producing rule-breaking campaigns for brands such as Rolls Royce, Unilever, L’Oreal and Samsonite; creating wide reaching projects for charities including Women’s Aid and Macmillan; and shooting music videos for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Rita Ora and Kelis.
As a publisher, Rankin co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1991, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the biannual fashion and culture print and digital platform, Hunger.
His photography has been published everywhere from his own publications to Elle, Vogue, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, and Wonderland, and exhibited in galleries globally, including MoMA, New York, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Rankin lives in London with his wife Tuuli and their dogs.
As a photographer Rankin's portfolio ranges from portraiture to documentary. He has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and The Queen to name only a few.
He is best known for work that is on the cultural cusp and leading future trends: producing rule-breaking campaigns for brands such as Rolls Royce, Unilever, L’Oreal and Samsonite; creating wide reaching projects for charities including Women’s Aid and Macmillan; and shooting music videos for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Rita Ora and Kelis.
As a publisher, Rankin co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1991, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the biannual fashion and culture print and digital platform, Hunger.
His photography has been published everywhere from his own publications to Elle, Vogue, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, and Wonderland, and exhibited in galleries globally, including MoMA, New York, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Rankin lives in London with his wife Tuuli and their dogs.
Rolls Royce on the Spirit of Ecstasy
In 1911, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commissioned the artist and sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes to produce a radiator mascot that conveyed the spirit of Rolls-Royce.
One of the most beautiful and recognisable pieces of art in the world, each person has their own interpretation of what she means to us. For some she is the symbol of luxury; for others she represents beauty, grace, or effortless speed. To Rolls-Royce she represents their striving for perfection in everything they do.
One of the most beautiful and recognisable pieces of art in the world, each person has their own interpretation of what she means to us. For some she is the symbol of luxury; for others she represents beauty, grace, or effortless speed. To Rolls-Royce she represents their striving for perfection in everything they do.