In the era of contactless creativity, VMAN commissioned photographer Steven Klein and stylist Patti Wilson to demonstrate how—even now—a new vision can find expression and men’s fashion emerges—no less impactful for being safety-compliant. In “Zero Contact,” starring James Turlington, who just happens to be Klein’s neighbor on Long Island’s Bridgehampton, VMAN wishes to inspire creatives from all over to keep art and photography alive. With Klein shooting from at a minimum 6-foot distance with the help of a zoom lens, Wilson styling virtually from her apartment via FaceTime, and James dressing himself, this shoot was executed with zero physical contact but a maximum creative vision. 

The process strange, but ironically, personal. James reflects on how small the team was. “Since I just started, all the teams have been really big. It was a more personal connection, I would say, with the photographer.” The shoot was executed with zero physical contact—proof positive of creative triumph in the face of hardship. VMAN hopes this story puts forth evidence of fashion’s enduring vitality.

“Zero Contact” social distance model, James Turlington could not have predicted this for his modeling career, let alone the career shift in general. How did he go from a baseball star to modeling with horses photographed by Steven Klein in the age of social distancing—a question Turlington has time to ponder himself. After multiple injuries, a short career with the Dodgers turned into an unfortunate but definite retirement. Now as one of the up-and-coming faces in the male fashion industry, and multiple major shoots under his belt, it came as a shock that “Zero Contact” was James’ wildest photo shoot. At one point, “[w]here Steve is shooting from inside his car, I was running next to it along the road” James rationalized his decision. Especially in a time when jobs are limited, “It was a pretty special moment,” said the model.

A groundbreaking example of creativity in the time of hardship, “Zero Contact” exhibits both best social-distancing practices, adhering to all safety protocols and image-making at its finest.