Aug 14, 2012 1:21PM
Exclusive: Wrangler SS12 Campaign & Jason Lee Parry Interview
We speak motorcycles, sneaking into Playboy parties, and dream shoots.
Jason Lee Parry — who shot Ashley Smith for Oyster #96 — has photographed Wrangler's new campaign. Obsessed with motorcycles, babes and teen rebellion, he continues to work for some of the coolest labels and publications around. We asked him what inspired his shoot for Wrangler SS12 (and now we kind of want to watch Easy Rider).
Jerico Mandybur: You seem drawn to shooting with motorbikes, why do you like working with them?
Jason Lee Parry: I am really inspired by my father who professionally raced on flat track so I've always been drawn to old motorcycles, motorcycle films and the culture. Even with all the motorcycle imagery out there, I still feel like I'm doing something original. It somehow feels like I'm shooting back in the day — if I could have only been shooting in the 70s.
Can you ride one, or would you like to?
Yeah, I can ride one.
What’s the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done, that you’re willing to share with us?
I could list many things, unfortunately. Growing up in a small town there wasn't much to do. I'll share one thing since I've been in Los Angeles, which happened about four years ago. I wasn't wearing the right 'attire' to go with my friends into the Midsummer Night's Dream party at the Playboy mansion so instead of leaving I pondered for a bit and decided I was going in anyway. This wasn't an easy task. I snuck through a neighbor's yard, threw a jacket over the electrical fence and jumped from there into a tree and climbed down. It sucked because I realised I was only in the front yard. I walked by two more security guards right to the open bar. Later I was asked to leave for wearing the wrong attire but I left with a smile on my face.
How did you come to work on the Wrangler campaign?
Brooke from Thrills [motorcycles] was collaborating with Wrangler on a film for later in the season. He was familiar with my work and my motorcycle imagery so Wrangler asked me if I'd like to work on the campaign shoot.
Can you tell us about the day of shooting?
Models Emily Bester and Vinnie Woolston have amazing amount of chemistry, no? The shoot was super good. They did a really good job choosing the models and the chemistry was really great between the two of them. They were up for anything which made it easy. The creative team were amazing letting me shoot with full creative control. It made the shoot go super smooth.
What was your inspiration for the shoot; any specific muses or stories that helped you with your vision?
The story I used was of two, free-spirited kids, who live in a small town and own it. Wrangler was inspired by my previous shoot I did with Ashley Smith, and also old motorcycle films, summer and total freedom. Wrangler had a great treatment to go off of, which really helped.
If Wrangler was a woman, what would she be like?
A cool chick who doesn't need to change five times a day. She hangs with the boys and drinks whiskey. And, of course, her ass has to look hot in the jeans.
Having survived being caught up in a bizarre lawsuit, do you feel invincible now as an artist? Or do you stress out about it happening again?
The lawsuit was so outrageous and ridiculous, it was kind of hard to take seriously, but it definitely made me realize what people are capable of.
Who would be your all-time dream group of people to shoot with?
Stylist — Kate Lanphear, model — Kate Moss, Abbey Lee or Freja, and brand would be Balmain.
If you could only wear denim or leather for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Denim — wears well with age.
Introduction: Dijana Kumurdian
Interview: Jerico Mandybur
