Flex by Ben Toms

Taken from the Autumn/Winter 2014 issue of Dazed.

For our Fantasy issue, long-term Dazed collaborator Ben Toms explored two contrasting ideas (and ideals) of femininity, as female bodybuilding champion Rosanna Harte was shot alongside Austrian model Helena Severin – both styled by Mattias Karlsson. "Female muscle should be feminine," says UK champion Harte, a trained dancer whose grace is evident in her elegant, meticulous poses, which challenge stubborn assumptions about gender in the sport. In this exclusive film, Harte demonstrates beauty and poise that, while unusual in a fashion context, shows that femininity comes in many forms.

Hair Tina Outen at Streeters; make-up Gemma Smith-Edhouse at Total using M.A.C; nails Mike Pocock at Streeters; set design David White at Streeters; model Helena Severin at Viva London; women’s physique competitor Rosanna Harte; film music Pandora's Jukebox; film editor Sally Mumby Croft; photographic assistant Chris Rhodes; styling assistants Mara Palena, Patricia Villirillo; hair assistant Chrys Chamaldis; make-up assistant Bobanna Parojcic; set design assistants Alice Kirkpatrick, Ciara Halpim, Mariska Lowri; digital technician Lee Whittaker; production: Julia Hackel at Intrepid; post production: Studio Private; casting Noah Shelley at AM Casting