Rosie Huntington-Whiteley by Rankin

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Something Wicked This Way Comes
Something Wicked This Way ComesPhotography by Rankin

September sees the much-anticipated exhibition and book launch of Ten Times Rosie featuring Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, captured by the prolific photographer Rankin. Ranging from shamanic African highlander to porcelain circus doll, the actress/model

September sees the much-anticipated exhibition and book launch of Ten Times Rosie featuring Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, captured by the prolific photographer Rankin. Ranging from shamanic African highlander to porcelain circus doll, the actress/model takes on ten different characters with the aid of Thomas Wylde clothing, resulting in a collection of powerful and breathtakingly beautiful portraits. Here AnOther talks to Rosie about one of the photographs in the series, aptly entitled Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Through the photographs you take on a range of guises ­– can you take us through the one in this picture?
For me this character had to be glamorous. The clothes and location really felt that way. She's a bit of a temptress; I wanted to portray her as being a bit damaged, a bit crumpled, like she'd been up all night partying.

How did you prepare yourself for this image – did you attempt to take on a persona or imagine that you were anyone in particular?
I get into character when all the elements come together. I study and discuss my makeup and hair with the team, and I look at the clothes and the location and set like everyone else does on a shoot – it's important for me to play my part in the puzzle. I can't just stand there without any emotion or point of view of what I am doing. If I did I would feel like I wasn't doing my job very well. I don't think I imagine being anyone in particular, but I will create a story in my head that a great photographer like Rankin will help with.

What was the best part of the whole process?
Being given the chance to embody all these different characters and for Rankin and Paula [Thomas, founder and head designer of Thomas Wylde] to have believed in me. Seeing it all come together has been so exciting. It's been such a joy to work with the whole team on this ­– everyone is so talented. I love everyone and this project will be something I believe we will all hold close to our hearts forever.

You have worked with Rankin on several other projects before – what keeps you working with him and what do you find so compelling about his photography?
I loved him from the moment I met him, he has a real ease and great sense of humour, and he doesn't take himself or his job too seriously, which is great because neither do I. He makes me laugh so much, and he just lets me be me, [whereas] I think a lot of people in this industry always want you to be someone or something else. His attitude and personality is always portrayed in his work, it doesn't take much to see that.

If you had to sum this image up in only a few words, what would they be?
Rich bitch.

Interview by Lucia Davies

Ten Times Rosie is out now. An exhibition at Annroy Gallery, London, will run from September 22 to October 29