Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Jason Duzansky, creative director
How did you get into your chosen career?
I initially interned for Visionaire around 1998 and that turned into a job with the design team. Along with the issues of Visionaire, I was able to work on some unbelievable projects like advertising campaigns for Givenchy and Valentino, and photography books for Mario Testino. V Magazine was also just a few issues old when I started, so I was able to contribute to that and eventually became the art director of V Man in my mid 20’s. One of my favorite memories was directly working with Hedi Slimane on a Dior Homme fragrance campaign. It was a very exciting place to be!
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
I am lucky to have been trained by the best image makers in the fashion business, so I can humbly say I have an eye for beauty. My work is graphic and eye-catching. Whether it’s an ad campaign, a magazine cover, or fine art, I steer away from the subtle. There’s a trend in fashion at the moment where anyone can be a photographer. I personally am all about honoring the artists that really know their craft. I bring strong concepts and a graphic style that create iconic images. At shoots, I like thinking, “Would I want this on my wall?”
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on?
Working with Steven Meisel and Jeremy Scott on a Top of the Pops-inspired Moschino campaign was pretty great. Between the lip-syncing models, the choreography, a set by Mary Howard, and styling by Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, we were all in heaven that day. There were moments when we just sat back and enjoyed the show, all the while wondering how we were going to edit so much good footage. If anyone hasn’t seen them, I recommend googling the “Moschino S/S 2020 campaign.”
What do you love about what you do?
It’s never boring! And fashion people are always on to the next thing. It’s a good way to approach creative work, what hasn’t been done before?
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced professionally?
To never let myself get too comfortable. I’ve learned that a lot of the design projects that I am most proud of tend to be the ones that made my stomach drop when I initially heard about them.
What’s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
I just became a father! My husband David Alhadeff and I adopted a baby boy that was born on 8/8/22. His name is Leo and he’s great.
Who do you think is one to watch?
I am a friend and fan of photographer Yuki James’ work. He has a great eye for detailed classic photography, often giving the images an unexpected twist.
Selected Work
Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk, Joan Smalls for Moschino F/W 2019 by Steven Meisel
In 2019, we created a Dynasty-inspired campaign for Jeremy Scott’s Moschino F/W collection. The scenarios ranged from walking in on an affair to fainting to Gigi (ready to pounce) being held back, and more. For the last shot, Gigi and Joan were meant to get worked up over both being in the same dress. What we didn’t expect to happen was the hilarious catfight that took place, all the while with Irina trying to break it up. It was one of those unexpected gifts at a shoot that left everyone screaming.
Julia Stegner and Adina Fohlin for Alberta Ferretti F/W 2007 campaign by Steven Meisel
In my earlier years working for Steven, I got the opportunity to independently art direct an Alberta Ferretti campaign. I was inspired by a Polaroid of two mannequins in the same position and precisely positioned the models in matching poses. The images were taken at a beautiful home in Los Angeles. Bowl cuts by Guido perfected the look.
Tyler Reed, Thomas Dragoni and Ruben Alejandro for Man About Town Summer 2022 by Yuki James
I ran an idea by my friend Yuki James to take portraits of guys with underwear on their heads. He felt like the perfect person to execute the concept, a bit tongue in cheek mixed with the type of classic portraiture he can deliver. Months went by before being able to make the shoot happen, but when we finally did, it felt like the perfect moment. Lucas Wilson created underwear sculptures that elevated the concept and brought things into a Caravaggio mood.
Sasha Pivovarova for Vogue Italia March 2007 by Steven Meisel
After this very beautiful shoot with Steven, he and I were contemplating how to design the cover. I immediately went with yellow for the Vogue, which Steven loved. The title was “Sublime,” and we needed to do something different. Steven suggested the script and I thought, yes, let’s make it feel like Sasha signed her name on the front of the issue. For the actual type, I asked my cousin to write the word out a few different ways and mail it back to me. Months later, I sent her the issue of the magazine, she had no idea what I planned on doing with her writing samples. Teamed with Pat McGrath’s makeup and Edward Enninful’s styling, this is one of my all-time favorite covers.
Jessica Chastain for Vogue Greece December 2021 by Ned Rogers
The brief was “Jessica Chastain in couture.” We had limited time and needed to come up with something beautiful, unexpected, and strong. The mix of Ned’s lighting, Dena Giannini’s styling, and Kristofer Buckle’s makeup created a beautiful new look for the star. It was exciting to see how Jessica transformed after letting Kristofer re-imagine her brows, something we weren’t sure was going to happen! The results were classic, beautiful portraits.
