A previously unseen photoshoot of Geri Halliwell, taken two years before the Spice Girls' debut single 'Wannabe' catapulted her to fame, has been revealed by photographer Soulla Petrou. The shoot, which took place in 1994 at Petrou's home, saw Halliwell dressed as the sci-fi character Barbarella, played by Jane Fonda in the 1968 film.
Petrou, a music photographer, was contacted by a stylist friend who claimed Halliwell would be part of a major girl band. Despite initial scepticism, Petrou agreed to the shoot. The styling was inspired by 1960s and 70s TV shows and films featuring strong women fighting evil, such as 'Wonder Woman' and 'Charlie's Angels'. The Barbarella outfit was based on designs by Paco Rabanne.
The photograph was taken against a white wall near Petrou's house, using cross-processed E6 slide film to create a supersaturated, grainy effect. Petrou noted that the shoot was a collaborative effort without interference from publicists, a common experience when working with emerging talent. She described Halliwell as 'really lovely' and 'laser-focused', adding that it was clear she was destined for success.
At the end of the session, Halliwell spotted tarot cards on Petrou's table and asked for a reading. Petrou admitted she predicted nothing, joking that fortune-telling was not her path. The shoot also included other concepts, such as a St Trinian's theme, some of which remain unpublished. Six images from the session appeared in Petrou's book 'Rewind'.
Years later, Petrou saw Halliwell holding one of her prints in a documentary. When Petrou shared the images on Instagram, Halliwell reposted them with a comment about dreaming of being a pop star in 1994 and encouraging others to follow their dreams. Petrou reflected that it is good to know some dreams come true.
