Behind The Scenes of Our First Adaptive Lingerie Photoshoot with Photographer Esme Moore

Esme Moore is a fashion photographer and director based in London but raised in rural Cornwall. Within her work, there is a visceral pull to the strength and power of the human form submerged in rich abstractions and vibrant colour palette’s.

Having directed fashion films for SHOWstudio and Harrods, Esmé’s recent Shiny Awards shortlisted documentary debut for The FA x FBB spoke for the first time to a topic closer to home - raising awareness for disabled visibility and inclusion, highlighting the power sport can have for every athlete, regardless of physical difference.

Using photography and film to help reshape the popular image of disability both in front and behind the camera is a topic Esmé devotedly supports, creating a positive image of disability she wishes her younger self could have seen growing up.

Esmé’s work has been showcased by editorial and commercial platforms including Apple, SHOWstudio, The FA, Football Beyond Borders, Noctis Magazine, Vogue India, Harper’s Bazaar Italia.

Tell us about your experience of working on the Primark Adaptive underwear photoshoot.

Working with the Primark team was truly a pleasure from start to end. Each time I am asked to work on a shoot where representation surrounding disability is at the core, I feel very privileged and a great sense of responsibility. It is not only a campaign shoot for an innovative product, but a form of re-education around disability. With the renewed image of disability this campaign was able to project, there was a great need to have conversations around what the modern day image of disability entails, to ensure that we are representing an underrepresented community in a truthful and authentic way, not through past societal misconceptions. The immediate trust I felt from the team at Primark, when as a disabled woman, I described what I felt personally lacked in the representation of our bodies was empowering. Not only were these refreshing conversations to have, but I hope it allows for the models Emma, Tegan and Glen to be seen for their power, strength and beauty and not solely their disability.

What was your favourite moment of the day and why?

The moment I entered the studio at the start of the day and saw the whole team in the space, with the knowledge that we were about to start work on a campaign that gives a platform to a community underrepresented in mainstream fashion was significant. For the first time in my career, I was also working alongside many talented individuals behind the camera who, like myself, also had a disability Between us there was an indescribable feeling of unity and understanding that we were in a position to create a campaign that our younger selves would have never imagined could exist from a global brand in fashion. Together we were creating an image of visibility both in front and behind the camera that goes beyond advertising a new product, but normalising the image of disability in fashion.

Talk to us about your photography technique, we’d love to know more!

There is a strong focus on the strength and power of the human form, submerged in rich abstractions and vibrant colour palettes that convey ethereal and otherworldly beauty. I also use photography and film as a way to help reshape the image of disability in front and behind the camera to create a positive image of disability I wish I could have seen growing up.

What was your favourite image from the shoot and why?

It would be from the first set of images I took with Glen. For me she encapsulates the power, beauty and strength I spoke of above in the most raw and simple form. This is not an image about disability, that is secondary, first it is her presence as a woman.

Lastly, what’s your favourite product from the range?

I am not sure there is one piece I like more than another in the collection. What is admirable about the collection is how all the pieces remain feminine and flattering, yet functional with the added technology.