Indistinguishable: Models embody the images of famous rock icons

Are there any fans of Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, or Jim Morrison here? What if someone told you that in 2001, Vogue published photos from their latest photo shoot?





This isn't some kind of prank, and certainly not crazy. American photographer Steven Meise used models to bring these rock stars to life in his photo shoot, "Rock the House."



Courtney Love, Kurt Cobain, and Frances Bean Cobain

Fashion photographer Steven Meisel is one of the most successful representatives of this style of photography. He has a keen sense of fashion trends and knows how to express them in his photographs like no other. Every cover of Italian Vogue since 1988 has featured a photograph by him.

Courtney Love, Jim Morrison, and Janis Joplin

Inspired by the great rock stars of the 20th century, Steven Meisel recreated the images of lovers Yoko Ono and John Lennon, the wild couple Courtney Love and Cobain, the young Beatles, the reckless Manson, and the flamboyant David Bowie.



Omahira Mota as Prince

The photographs from the "Rock the House" collection won't evoke feelings of nostalgia or affection in viewers. Meisel's work is fashion. And fashion is always provocative, challenging the mind and emotions.



Karolina Kurkova as Marilyn Manson

Speaking of the photographer's decision to work with a rock theme and create such realistic images, one cannot help but mention his childhood. Meisel grew up among musicians, in a stylish and interesting environment. The photographer himself recalls:

"The environment we grow up in becomes part of our aesthetic vision. No, I didn't think about it consciously. I suppose moments from the past become part of who you are now."



Fanny Bostrom (John Lennon), Audrey Marnay (Ringo Starr), Tasha Tilberg (Paul McCartney), and Trish Goff (George Harrison)

Meisel was inspired by the beauty of women in his mother's glossy magazines, going backstage with her and pestering modeling agencies for models' business cards. The young photographer was especially interested in seeing photos not featured in magazines.



Hannelore Knuts and Diana Meszaros as David and Angela Bowie

Incidentally, thanks to Meisel's keen sense of emerging trends, he introduced the world to many top models, makeup artists, and designers. Incidentally, he is responsible for the popularity of Naomi Campbell, Ross Van Der Heide, Linda Evangelista, Laura Mercier, and others, whom we still see on the runways and in glossy magazines.



Sophie Dahl as Debbie Harry, leader of the new wave band Blondie

Madonna also got involved, a collaboration with whom brought Meisel widespread recognition and the singer confirmation of her success.



Jacquetta Wheeler, Erin O'Connor, Eleanor Boese, Bridget Hall, and Oost as the Rolling Stones

It's interesting that Google identifies these photos from the "Rock the House" photo shoot as genuine portraits of rock stars, yet inexperienced online magazine writers write about real rock icons using these photos of models.



Kiara Kabukuru as P. Diddy

Hmm, were we confusing the originals with this performance? After all, the photos have been online for years.