David Yarrow’s recent photographic endeavor at the Renaissance Bar in Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz, reveals a unique aspect of the town: its inclusive nature. Despite its reputation for glamour, wealth, and a bustling club culture, St Moritz is surprisingly welcoming and homely, a trait that often goes unnoticed by cynics. Yarrow noted this inclusive atmosphere, which contradicts the elitist image many might expect from such a luxurious location.
In St Moritz, local artisans and farmers are valued members of the community, their status untouched by their indifference to luxury brands or upscale mountain ski clubs. The town’s joy and sense of community are not exclusive or hierarchical but rather encompass all its residents, enhancing the collective spirit of the area.
Yarrow's creative vision for his shoot at Badrutt’s Palace’s renowned Renaissance Bar included these very elements of local life. He brought in a goat and some farmers, acknowledging their vital role in the Engadin community, alongside the more typical patrons of the bar - the affluent figures of technology and finance.
The shoot was themed around the iconic glamour of Brigitte Bardot, a significant figure in St Moritz’s history. Models Nadine Leopold and Frida Aasen, expertly styled by Yarrow’s team, shared the frame with lead staff of Badrutt’s and some local bar regulars. The scene was one of controlled chaos, reflective of the bar's usual atmosphere.
Yarrow sees the Renaissance Bar as more than just a drinking spot; to him, it's akin to an Agatha Christie set, full of intrigue and unexpected turns, a place where everyone plays a part in the Alpine theatre. He compares it favorably to other resorts like Courchevel, finding them lacking the multidimensional charm of St Moritz. This shoot, for Yarrow, was not just about capturing images but about telling the story of a place where every individual, regardless of their social standing, contributes to the magic of the locale.
Read what David Yarrow says about his new picture: THE GOATS OF ST. MORITZ
ENQUIRE: GALLERY@PETRAGUT.COM
