3 minute read
STORY BEHIND THE COVER
By: Jeanette Smith & Trystanne Cunningham
Story Behind the Cover
Model: Xue Xue Zha
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
San Francisco is a city at the forefront of change, but rising changes from the tech boom have been slowly pushing out the arts and culture that make San Francisco so unique. As soon as Editor In Chief and Founder of TrooRa [Trystanne Cunningham] noticed the beautiful, bespoke jeweled masks from San Francisco-based designer Lance Victor Moore, she knew it would be the perfect showcase for our issue’s theme and the feature of our cover shoot.
Model: Dexter Simmons
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
The photoshoot combines the trials of being alone and the equally arduous journey to knowing oneself. The concept for this story, envisioned by Brian Esterle, was to reveal how much “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” to quote the late Maya Angelou.
Model: Xue Xue Zha
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
Our models—Dexter Simmons and Xue Xue Zha—put on their masks as they first journey through themselves, asking “who am I?” The models must feel warmth in their own skin.
Models: Dexter Simmons and Xue Xue Zha
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
In one shot Dexter, puts the mask on, sending a jolt of confused emotion. Not knowing whether it’s ecstasy or pain, they are caught between the electric feeling of being in the moment while being cupped by a temporary fear. In the space between, they know they belong anywhere.
Model: Dexter Simmons
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
Xue Xue meanwhile emerges and stands pensive as something tickles her mind. She contemplates who she is and who she wants to become. In one shot, Dexter having put the mask that cleverly transforms into a crown, Xue Xue radiates newfound confidence as she begins to realize self-love through this exchange.
Eventually, the models meet. Xue Xue and Dexter steal glances at one another and a myriad of thoughts are translated. “Can I trust you? Who are you? You don’t know what it’s like to be me.” We see in their wardrobe—designed by Jad Racha—how they have grown independently comfortable.
Models: Dexter Simmons and Xue Xue Zha
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
While their journeys are independent, there is a recognition that we all must face a similar path to self realization. “We wear a facade like a mask to show a different person than who we are, but [underneath] we’ve really been the same all along,” says Trystanne Cunningham, Producer of our cover photo shoot.
“We don’t need to hide ourselves. [Masks] should be for play, jewelry and beauty. [As she chuckles] “also as protection during a global pandemic, but always in a fashionable way whenever possible, ALWAYS Jouge it up.”
Models: Dexter Simmons and Xue Xue Zha
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
By acknowledging and loving their differences, the models finally come together, proving community is a superpower. “The fact is, everything is better together. Diversity is better. Unity is better. If we want to see real change in the world, we have to acknowledge that we are all products of our environment.
Model: Dexter Simmons
Photo Credit: Charles Schoenberger
Separation is a poison; community is the future,” says Brian Esterle, Co- Creative Director of the San Francisco Issue ’21 photoshoot.
Read more at https://issuu.com/rareluxuryliving/docs/troora_san_francisco_2021_pages/26
Credits 📸 @charlesschoenberger 📹 @brojackson @_westboundent@endzwitdalenz @lastnameblinks 📸📹 @zengru 👗 @jadrachacollection 👺💎 @lance.v.moore 💄 @graffitima 💄 @cel.pea 💇🏽♀️ @itsmerobd Model @xue7 Model @dexterflawk Location @the_academy_sf Directed by @acoolglassofmilk Set Coordination @gg.hendricks Production Assistant@dead.kyle Camera Assistant @nschlaeppi.photo Producer/Creative Director @trystanne @trooramagazine Day 1: Private Residence Special Thanks to Johnathan Rachman Design, Judith Ibanez, Jonathan Rachman & JRD’s Clients. We are Grateful for providing the space and your generosity! TrooRa Tribe Day 2: The Academy SF Special Thanks to Jad Racha The Academy SF Nate Bourg & Paul Miller We are extremely Grateful for your dedication and generosity! TrooRa Tribe
