FKA Twigs plays with seduction. In her extensive work she embodies a beguiling appeal that captivates even those who don’t know her. Perhaps that’s why Twigs’ new in the Calvins or nothing campaign is so clearly mesmerizing (which may be why it was banned in the UK).
Compared to many other models in Calvin Klein’s campaigns, Twigs’ movements remain soft and lively, like the gray tones that blend smoothly into the photos. In each image she remains in motion, caught between fluid poses. Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott observe an artist at work. “Twigs is first of all a good friend of mine,” explains Alas. “We have a lot of shared experiences and inspiring conversations together, so I wanted her commitment to Calvin Klein to be very real and reflect that.”
Aside from the delicate, vulnerable nature of the images, there is a common thread of strength within them. “You literally take your clothes off for the public,” Twigs said.
Between gentleness and strength
“There is a lot of discussion about physicality right now,” she explains, pointing out the fashion industry’s inconsistency in taking all body types into account. Although the last few years have seen a burgeoning shift in luxury and retail brands, the last few months have felt like a step backwards. “We went from depicting very fit female bodies to an obsession with depicting very thin people in particular.”
This dichotomy between gentle and powerful is something that Twigs masters like no other. When “Cellophane” was released in 2019, audiences were quick to comment on her pole dance in the accompanying video. It’s a moment of sheer admiration for her physical prowess as she whispers soulful lyrics like “And didn’t I do it for you?/Why don’t I do it for you?” We also see this in videos like the recently released “Killer.” Here she shows complete control in a choreographed set, paralleled by the intimate lyric “Something in the way you put your hands on my waist/Pulled me closer.”
Aside from their physicality, this duality is also evident in their music. “Honda,” introduced with ethereal choral vocals, combines a hard base with a brisk tempo as she delivers lyrics like “I wonder why you so delicia, baby, you can roll, here’s a rizla/Honda, smoke while we glide on the M way” raps. Or “Papi Bones,” in which heavy Spanish beats merge with her light vocals.
You have to have total control over yourself to produce a work in complete balance, like she does. What has emerged so far and will certainly resonate in this campaign is clear support and admiration.
“Being the best form of yourself is always in style,” she adds.
This text by Kyle Lamar Rice is a translation of a Article published exclusively on rollingstone.com.