The vintage fashion editorial “Roman Holiday”, featuring Claudia Schiffer—one of the most iconic supermodels of the 1990s—first appeared in the December 1994 issue of Vogue US. Set in Rome, Italy, the shoot captured the city’s essence with its rich historical backdrop and vibrant street life. Renowned fashion photographer Arthur Elgort, known for his spontaneous, cinematic approach, created a series of images blending high fashion with a relaxed, natural aesthetic.
Typical of Elgort’s style, “Roman Holiday” showcases models in dynamic, lively environments rather than traditional studio settings. He captured Schiffer in natural, candid moments, using ambient light and striking compositions to bring Rome to life. The result is an editorial that feels like a visual diary of a fashionable Roman adventure.
Set against Rome’s iconic backdrop, the shoot encompassed historic sites, picturesque streets, and classical architecture. The editorial masterfully weaves high fashion with the city’s timeless elegance, crafting a narrative that marries luxury and the charm of everyday Roman life. Drawing inspiration from the 1953 film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn, Schiffer embodies a modern-day princess exploring Rome, evoking a sense of romance, adventure, and sophistication.
“Roman Holiday” exemplifies 1990s fashion photography, where supermodels like Schiffer were styled to portray a lifestyle both glamorous and accessible. This shoot remains a standout in Schiffer’s extensive portfolio and showcases Elgort’s talent for creating enduring, narrative-driven fashion images that capture the zeitgeist of the era.
