Natasha Poly, Doutzen Kroes & Edie Campbell for Vogue Japan

Cover story shot by the legendary fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier for February 2014 edition of Vogue with top models Natasha Poly, Doutzen Kroes & Edie Campbell. Styling for the shoot is courtesy of fashion stylist Nicoletta Santoro, hair styling by James Pecis, makeup by Aaron De Mey. Manicure by Alicia Torello.

"Detachment?" he says, appalled. "Not at all. My sessions are very heated affairs. When I take nude photos, it's very sexual. But I'm quite particular about my nudes. I don't like exhibitionist women, like the ones you see in the pages of Playboy.

"No, no. I don't like that at all. If I were to take your picture now, for example, I'd tell you to take all your clothes off but stay in exactly the same position. You would be shocked and embarrassed; you would go red and probably try to cover yourself up, and that's what would make it really pretty. I like nudes where you can feel the emotion: I like that mix of timidity and nakedness."

Born to a father who spent most of his life in Africa and to a French mother, Demarchelier was only 17 when he announced his vocation to his parents, who had divorced when he was in his early teens.

"They were pleased," he says, "because I was just this layabout who wasn't very good at school. Luckily my dad was able to witness the beginnings of my success before he died."

Even before being given a camera, he describes himself as "always taking pictures with my eyes". – from Telegraph

For more log on to the official Vogue Japan web page www.vogue.co.jp