The tired stereotype of the ‘cat lady’ has pervaded popular culture for decades: stretching from Simpsons characters to SNL skits. In the cultural imagination, cat ladies are old, lonely, crazy and undesirable, a series of characteristics so deeply entrenched in sexism it doesn’t bear explaining. That is until Berlin-based photographer Boris Kralj came along. In this exclusive editorial for SLEEK, called 9 Lives and styled by Saskia Jung, he has revamped the ‘cat lady’ trope to playful and subversive effect. Across a series of images, a woman, gripped by an obsession for her cat, begins to personify the characteristics of her beloved pet, embodying its feline attributes.
On subverting the stock character the image-maker says he wanted to go against the stereotype and “create a portrait of an obsessed cat woman with grace and style.” He continues, “our protagonist’s unique style is embedded in her dusty middle-class environment. She is odd yet graceful, mysterious and untouchable… she’s got nine lives.”
Kralj’s story is a distinct step away from his previous work. His photo-book, My Belgrade is a collection of portraits and architectural photography, whereas his fashion photography allows him to embrace the more imaginative and cheerful facets of his aesthetic. “I have the vision already set up in my mind before I shoot, but certainly there is also room at the shooting for improvisation … in my fashion photography, I like to invent and create stories.”
See the full story below:
Credits
PHOTOGRAPHER: Boris Kralj
STYLING: Saskia Jung
HAIR & MAKEUP: Natalia Vermeer using Chanel Beauty and Oribe hair products
MODEL: Tamari Nikoleishvili
STYLING ASSISTANT: Nuria Gregori