FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER STEVEN KLEIN SHOOTS 2017 CAMPAIGN FOR EQUINOX

Luxury lifestyle brand Equinox has unveiled its 2017 advertising campaign, re-envisioning the theme of “Commit to Something” as an intimate, provocative and deeply moving exploration of personal identity.  A series of seven images shot by world-renowned fashion photographer Steven Klein, the campaign confronts current cultural issues and asserts that commitment has the power to define who we are in the deepest sense.

“This year’s campaign revolves around the notion that what you commit to is who you are, so we’re daring viewers to take stance and look inward, even if doing so makes you a little bit uncomfortable,” said Carlos Becil, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Equinox.  “We’re in the business of changing lives at Equinox, so we’ve learned firsthand that going ‘all in’ on anything—whether it be a workout, a cause or yourself—will undoubtedly get you one step closer to finding out who you really are.”

Equinox reprised the theme of commitment to provide a more personal take on a concept already central to its mission. A brand that empowers members to discover their maximum potential, Equinox’s 2017 campaign similarly challenges viewers to take action and celebrate dedication—within themselves and others.

“I view my work through the eyes of a photojournalist, as I draw influence from what’s going on outside my door every day,” said Klein, who is shooting with Equinox for a second consecutive year. “This approach lends itself naturally to this year’s Equinox campaign, where we’re using imagery to tell highly personal stories and inspire conversation about important issues.”

Each image was conceived as a commentary on dedication and personal identity, but Klein was most moved by his work with Samantha Paige, who authentically represents survival and self-commitment. Her journey, which began with thyroid cancer and a BRCA-1 gene mutation diagnosis, culminates with her proudly exposing her bare chest in this year’s campaign.  Other highlights include an aristocratic woman tending to a greenhouse full of cannabis plants (portrayed by Jessica Stam); a man, obsessed with his own beauty, directing a staff that carefully grooms every part of his body (portrayed by Brian Shimansky).

“It’s certainly no secret that Steven is a fearless creative with a strong point of view on social issues, so we very much wanted to continue telling the commitment narrative through his lens,” said Elizabeth Nolan, executive creative director at Equinox. “This year’s imagery goes even deeper to showcase his greatest strengths as a storyteller, collaborator and cultural steward.”

Beginning today, January 3, Equinox will showcase the campaign across social media using the hashtag #committosomething.  The ads will also be displayed in Equinox locations throughout the luxury leader’s 86 global locations.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out all of the activations from Equinox in the MOVE section of MRket New York this January 23-25.