Description

The cover of Homogenic began with a fashion picture. In February 1997 Björk saw a futuristic image of the model Devon Aoki, styled by Alexander McQueen and photographed by Nick Knight, in the art magazine Visionaire. She went straight to McQueen. He art-directed her cover, Knight photographed it and Katy England styled it, with the sleeve designed by Me Company.

Björk had a clear character in mind. She described "someone who is put into an impossible situation, so impossible that she has to become a warrior." The costume was a kind of armour. "I had 10 kilos of hair on my head," she said, "and special contact lenses and a manicure that prevented me from eating with my fingers." She also wore gaffer tape around her waist and high clogs that made walking difficult. The result is a still, almost doll-like figure in a kimono-like garment, with towering hair, an elongated neck and a glassy stare.

The image did not come easily. Knight's first session had to be reshot, which helped delay the album by about a month. Homogenic was finally released on 22 September 1997, and its cover, half Icelandic warrior and half fashion sculpture, matched an album built from strings and harsh beats.

Credit

Art direction by Alexander McQueen; photography by Nick Knight; styling by Katy England; sleeve design by Me Company