Photographer Anna Skladmann has continued her project of photographing Russia’s elite and rich offspring.
Her photo series is staged, but is in areas where the children play and live. Her viewpoint on the elite world of Russia is intriguing as Anna Skladmann states "[...] they live in a secluded world... Their parents are attempting to make up for the Soviet times—they only want the best for their children. The lives of these children are very planned and regimented. That forces them to grow up quicker."
The last point of Anna Skladmann is correct; these children do not look like playful youths, but rather young adults. From their outfits to their posture, the elite children are growing up much faster and it's evident through this series.
Elite Children Portraiture (UPDATE)
The Work of Anna Skladmann Showcases Rich Kids
Trend Themes
1. Mature Children - The trend of affluent children being forced to grow up quickly and portraying adult-like behaviors presents an opportunity for child advocacy organizations to promote play-based childhood and healthy emotional development.
2. Wealthy Family Marketing - The elite world of Russia poses a disruptive innovation opportunity for luxury and high-end brands to market family-oriented products and services specifically to this very lucrative demographic.
3. Anti-elitism - The growing discontentment around income inequality and issues of social justice poses an opportunity for social advocacy groups and politicians to offer policies and campaigns to address the widening wealth gap and push against the glorification of excessive wealth and privilege.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Brands - Luxury brands have an opportunity to market tailor-made products and services for wealthy families specifically that cater to the well-being and development of children with an emphasis on creative activities.
2. Child Advocacy - Child advocacy groups can use the trend of affluent children being forced to grow up quickly as an opportunity to promote emotional development and healthy play-based childhood to parents and guardians across all income classes.
3. Social Advocacy - Social advocacy groups and politicians can use the trend of income inequality and the growing issues of social justice to further push for an anti-elitist agenda, promoting policies and campaigns to address the widening wealth gap across all demographics.