K.D. Lang Recalls the Magic of Her 1993 Vanity Fair Shoot

Lang credits her friendship with photographer Herb Ritts for the 1993 cover’s unique concept. Having long held an obsession with the aesthetics of barbershops, she pitched the idea to Ritts, who orchestrated the shoot on his building’s rooftop. While Lang admits she struggled to keep her composure while being shaved by a professional supermodel, she recalls Crawford remaining entirely focused and composed throughout the process.

Beyond the technical execution, Lang views the final portrait as a significant piece of art that carried genuine social weight. Reflecting on the experience in a recent interview, the singer noted that while she felt like a novice in Crawford’s professional world, the collaboration captured a gravity that still resonates with her today. The project stands as a high point in Lang’s career, marking a moment where creative impulse and high-fashion photography converged.