Theodora Bak's Capes Photographed by Sasha Gusov in Rome

Photographer Sasha Gusov, known for portraits of Jude Law, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, and Valery Gergiev, as well as his work with the Bolshoi Ballet, has collaborated with fashion brand Theodora Bak, founded by Maria Federica Bachiddu. The project merges Gusov's black-and-white chiaroscuro photography with the brand's artisanal Italian capes, set against the architecture of Rome. The images evoke the Dolce Vita era of the 1940s and 1950s, treating the capes as sculptural elements integrated into the city's historic settings. Gusov previously worked with milliner Philippe Treacy. Theodora Bak's latest capsule collection was presented during Paris Fashion Week at Vendome Luxury, featuring unique capes inspired by military and workwear, with silk linings, colors ranging from mud to ochre to olive green, and accents of turquoise and bordeaux on velvets, tweeds, and wool crêpes. The collection draws on Turkish textiles, silver pearl buttons, and references to films by Federico Fellini (Anita Ekberg), Mario Monicelli (Il Marchese del Grillo with Alberto Sordi), and Paolo Sorrentino (La Grande Bellezza with Sabrina Ferilli). The collaboration aims to create a visual narrative blending fashion, photography, and Rome's timeless scenery.