Having come up for a bit of oxygen in between the shows in New York and Milan, the air could not be any fresher than it is breezing through the pages W March 2012. The momentary respite from the runway shows has been made all the more pleasant by the story by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott with styling by W fashion and style director Edward Enninful that features Karmen Pedaru (Ford) and Candice Huffine (Ford). Titled “The Girly Show,” the story explores the pinup constituent of the good/bad girl dichotomy highlighted by W editor in chief Stefano Tonchi in the issue’s opening letter. The story opens with a fold-out triptych wherein the center panel Candice clenches between her teeth a string of pearls by Butler & Wilson and on the right Karmen kneels seductively wearing little more than a pair of tailpipe flame heels by Prada. Turn the page and Karmen is seen wearing a Calvin Klein Collection silk top and silk shorts, Derek Lam belt, and Gucci shoes. In the final spread of the story Candice reclines, right leg held high, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana silk and elastane bodysuit, What Katie Did garter belt, Wolford hosiery, and Tom Ford shoes. The story is Bettie Page through and through, helped in no small part by bombshells in Karmen Peduru and Candice Huffine. “The Girly Show” is also a real testament to what an impressive magazine W has become during the tenure of Edward Enninful.

Credits include: Publication, W March 2012; Title,”The Girly Show”; Photography, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott; Styling, Edward Enninful; Hair, Jimmy Paul for Bumble and bumble; Makeup, Sharon Dowsett for MAC Cosmetics at CLM; Manicure, Anatole Rainey at Premier Hair and Makeup; Production, 10-4; Set design, Jacki Castelli; Digital, Timothy Wright, Elvis Savaria at D Touch; Photography assistance, Maurizio Bavutti, Matt Easton, James Anastasi; Fashion assistance, Felicia Garcia-Rivera, Jack Borkett; Image source, W.