New WWE.com Photoshoot: High Oct(K)ane

The ladies of WWE showed their love for Kane this Halloween, via a photoshoot tribute that was rife with interesting fashion. Instead of trying to copy Kane’s look precisely, these snaps are more of “Variations On A Theme By Kane”; the ladies interpret the concept of The Undertaker’s evil brother through their own vision and style. I like the idea – it makes for a much more engaging ‘shoot than a more direct interpretation, as each Superstar is freer to be creative and personalize the snaps. The success of this ‘shoot is fueled from the get-go by the inferno-filled backdrop. At times embellished with industrial furniture, at times with barbed wire-vined walls, it looks totally fab and hellacious without being distracting.
Natalya kicks off the set in a black bodysuit topped with an open-weave metallic tunic sweater. She added a host of accessories: a super-cute cat-ear headband, hoop earrings, a wide gold choker, a black leather waist belt and lacy garter straps. All those subtexts add a complexity to the fashion statement we don’t often see from Nattie and I applaud her risk-taking here and her willingness to experiment. I do think the look might have been stronger with an item or two less; the choker in particular, I think, could be jettisoned without regret. I’m not exactly sure if I love the look of the unhooked garter straps, but I do love the subtle sultriness they bring to the look. The waist belt I naturally adore and she wins Fierce points for that trendy and fab choice! She completed the look with satin OTK boots – so sexy and chic at the same time! Seriously, Kane – even with all his pyrotechnics – was never this hot! Smoky eyes and a soft pink lip accented this outfit in just the right way – smoldering, but not brazen. And Nattie worked the poses in her ever on-point, confident way, creating a slow, steady burn throughout her snaps.

Charlotte’s layered styling of this ‘shoot brought out it’s mystical qualities. She started with a satin off-the-shoulder gown in flame red. The ruching is gorgeous! But I would have liked to see the front slit modified just a touch – I’m not a huge fan of underwear-peek, even in an editorial ‘shoot. Atop that, she layered a black sheer kimono, embellished with gold: brocade at the bodice and embroidery scattered across the piece. The topper adds a layer of intrigue and drama to the look that is quite unique, but very in keeping with Charlotte’s on-screen personality. I love that she injects her own vision in this way, while still keeping the Kane theme via studded black leather fingerless gloves and a grommet-ed belt. A black lace choker echoes the kimono and pulls the look back in a darkly-feminine direction, while black suede ankle booties complete the ensemble with a bit of edge. Char’s poses are more Queen than Kane and that works nicely with the set-up from her outfit. My favorite is this one, with her eyes cast down: it is her riskiest and most stunning.
Just as Charlotte brought her Queenly side, Lana brought her glamorous, ravishing character to her interpretation of Kane. Her look starts with a black bodysuit with a central netting detail layered beneath a glittering red plunge-front bodysuit. The idea of the layered one-pieces is quite interesting and definitely ups the textural component of the look, although the complexity interferes somewhat with the look’s cohesiveness, particularly with the fringe detail on the sequined layer. Massive hoop earrings and a statement chain fringe necklace (a totally FIERCE piece that I abso adore and def need to see against a simpler backdrop!) add smooth shine to the look. The drama of the chains is softened by all the sparkle of the bodysuit, which generally would make for an assertive and fashionably over-the-top 80’s vibe, but here, since the piece is the main communicator of the Kane theme, I sort of wish it was a bit louder in the mix. Her regal, pristine bun is a perfect choice, though, as is her red lip. Glittering silver knee-high boots complete the outfit with another dose of sparkle.  Lana gives us a few tried and true poses, but takes a number of risks as well and every time she does, it pays off! Her walking/glaring shot channels Kane to perfection, while her pensive sideways stare and siting-cheerleader pose bring the kind of sensuality the Big Red Machine could only dream of. Her innate sense of drama and story-telling elevates the snaps and makes the far more successful than a more reserved presentation would allow.

Naomi used one of her ring gear outfits as a starting point for the snaps and the fiery print of the bodysuit worked flawlessly! She added a fringed leather belt, which brings wonderful movement to the look, as well as a cool chain choker. A selection of other bangles added touches of shine. I applaud her decision not to wear earrings here – they could easily have been that little that was a little too much. Black OTK boots in luxe suede round off the look. I like the direction she’s taken her posing here, also. She’s softened and smoothed her instinctive athleticism and complexity, dialing it back just a touch and it works excellently. Her leaning-on-chair poses is one of my favorites, along with the single-leg squat, which she somehow makes work (not sure anyone else could make that look so fierce and un-awkward) and which is rapidly becoming a signature stance for her. There’s something about her make-up that makes her face seem more chiseled in these snaps. It’s quite an intriguing choice that creates a harder edge to the styling and fits the theme to perfection. So I’m totally on board with it!  I don’t think I’d like it 24/7/365 though because it hides her natural beauty.
I love the nearly street-worthy vibe Becky pulled it off here with this black, bodycon jumpsuit – we don’t often get an editorial look that translates so closely to in-real-life-wear. It gets a racy twist from the engineering-inspired design of the red piping that elevates the piece and makes it feel like fashion and not costume. I’m impressed with the excellence of this choice! Red ankle boots supply the over-the-top, envelope-pushing drama we’d expect from an editorial concept, while a spiked cuff and chain double-wrap belt hearken back to the dark thematic concept of the snaps. A black velvet choker completes the look. I love her 70’s-inspired side waves – they’re the perfect seductive touch to complete the idea started by the pantsuit. Becky’s walking poses are appropriate and powerful, but it’s the squat that really rocked my world! That poses is nearly impossible to make work –only a handful of divas have ever managed it – and Becky totally nails it, from the half-side angle to the fingertip touch on the floor to the calculating glare. Brava!
See the whole photoshoot here.