Issue NOIR -Featuring Hellavagirl

#ISSUENOIR

WHO IS

Hellavagirl? featuring A B B I E M AY H O P K I N S

HASSAN REESE

JC CANDANEDO

Issue Noir

Editor’s Letter

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he Noir Issue was always going to push the boundaries by unashamedly featuring themes of black and white.

We were reaching for something challenging for our first issue, something clean, sharp with edge and attitude.

It is no coincidence, therefore, that our featured cover designer encapsulates all of those things. Hellavagirl from Helen Woollams, brings this vision to life in her designs and collections. In her words ‘A Post-apocalyptic inspired Couture Collection with dark undertones and a Regal Rock and Roll edge’.

RION started out two years ago as a simple WordPress blog. With my background in photography and an obsession with fashion, I’d long

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fostered a dream of transforming RION into something much more. We are now reaching readers around the world online and so with a great deal of blood, sweat, tears and months of agonising hard work, here is our pilot issue.

We wanted to put our creatives at the heart of Issue Noir. To focus on them, their work and most important, their unique perspective.

So I want to say a huge thank you to all of them for making the dream a reality. Putting the creative community front and centre is what we want RION to be about. A platform if you like. Searching out new talent and finding those ‘ones to watch’.

And of course, thank you for reading!

Wayne Noir, Editor-in-Chief

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A B B I E M AY H O P K I N S FEELING GEOMETRY STORMING 50’S H E L L AVA G I R L L O N D O N FA S H I O N W E E K TRODDEN TATO U C O U T U R E FOR THE LOVE OF TILES DAM DISJOINTED R AW C O O L C AT REPUBLIC JC CANDANEDO P R OVO C AT I V E BECKY HONG CONTRADICTION

Special thanks to all of our contirubutors and a special mention to Malaika Mwaniki, our deputy editor. If you would like to feature in our next issue, which is due in September 2017, please contact wayne@rionmagazine.com or malaika@rionmagazine.com.

Keeping the theme of community, we think it fitting that our support will also go to help those who need it most, which is why we have decided that for each issue we will chose a charity partner and a proportion of sales will go to them. For this issue we chose Mind, the mental health charity – mind.org.uk

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Abbie May Hopkins Make-up Artist

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t seems that, with the explosion of social media in recent years, we have seen a flood of blogs and other platforms from aspiring MUA’s!

How has the makeup industry changed since you started professionally and has this impacted on how you win work?

I have been a make-up artist for 5 years now, which is a small amount of time compared to other established MUA’s in the industry. I have seen a huge change in the industry due to social media. It seems like everyone has an ambition to be ‘Instagram famous’, receive free products and call themselves a make-up artist! I have no problem with bloggers doing their thing, but when I see a blogger call themselves a make-up artist when they are only painting their own face, I must admit, it’s not a true representation of an MUA. I see being a true makeup artist as being creative, working on different faces, races, sexes and experimenting with different textures, colours and techniques etc.

I will say, that I don’t think this has affected me personally, losing out on work, as there are always people who will seek out professionals.

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Given your brand and profile success to date, do you have any plans on the horizon to launch your own makeup range?

Everything is a possibility. Watch this space!

Can you give us your own tips on an all year round, simple makeup look which is a good ‘all-rounder’ and would suit most people?

For an ‘all-rounder’ make-up look, I love the natural look, which can be worn during the day time and you can enhance the look for the evening by changing something simple like the lip colour or add a bit of eyeliner! Naturally highlighted and contoured dewy skin, soft blush, fluffy brows, natural nude lips and a coat or two of black mascara – keep it simple and beautiful.

Can you see the industry taking off with men’s makeup, even more than has happened in recent years?

More and more men are wearing minimal make-up now-a-days. As a make-up artist who helps with male grooming on a regular basis, it’s fascinating to hear what certain clients, including celebrity clients, ask me for! I can see it really taking off. I would hate to be that guy with a zit in the middle of his forehead and not be able to cover it up – conceal that!

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Who was your first major client and how did you climb up the professional ranks to being the household name that you are today?

My first celebrity client was Maya Jama! I am still her MUA to this day and we have been working together for a long time now.

I do a lot of filming work with Maya and most recently that has included, VEVO, Copa 90, MOBO Awards 2016, The Brit Awards 2017 and many more. Maya is certainly one of my favourite clients to work with, we always have a laugh as well as keeping it professional.

At the beginning of my career, I worked at Space NK and MAC Cosmetics as well as completing a 2 year make-up course at Amersham & Wycombe College. If I had any spare time, I would always be organising photo shoots and taking on any free work I was offered. This was hugely beneficial in retrospect. After a few years and a few paid jobs, I started to realise my value and took a huge risk to go full time, freelance and create my own brand. It’s the best decision I have ever made.

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Your extensive and varied work has included, catwalk shows at a number of Fashion weeks, celebrity clients, editorials, weddings and personal make up for clients. Which of these do you love doing the most?

I really love working with music artists!

I enjoy helping to create their image, working together with the fashion stylist, hair stylist and the record label, to really create ideas and see the whole collaborative vision come to life. I am currently working with singer/song writer Raye, who is set to be huge in 2017. She currently has 4 songs in the top 40.

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As a photographer myself, being backstage at London Fashion Week and seeing the MUA’s at those shows, that’s got to be stressful?

I have been head make-up artist at quite a few fashion shows. I never get overwhelmed by how frantic it can be. It’s important to keep your composure and be professional. I have a great team who I assemble myself and I like to be organised so that everything runs smoothly on the day. Being prepared is everything!

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Which brands do you swear by and always use?

This is such a hard question! There are so many brands on the market who have incredible products. I wouldn’t say I love just one brand, as not one brand has everything you need. I really love using Eylure eyelashes, as they are easy to apply and come in all shapes and sizes, to suit many eye shapes and looks. Clarins Instant Smooth Primer is a firm favourite, to prep the skin before foundation. It literally fills in your fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a flawless complexion. One product I would not be without, has to be the MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in “Soft & Gentle”. This was one of the first products I ever bought and have replenished every year. It suits all skin tones, types and everyone loves a glow!

You can follow me on Instagram, to see my Instagram stories on more products I love and why (@abbiemaymua).

You’ve worked in a number of different places around the world. Where would you like to spend time in your career that you haven’t already?

I have been so lucky to travel with work.

I have been to Morocco, L.A, New York, Italy and France so far. I would love to visit more African countries and Dubai is also on my hot list of places to go.

And finally, what does 2017 hold for Abbie May? I want to work with new creatives and create beautiful inspiring work! I am really keen on the idea of mentoring aspiring MUAs and giving them the chance to assist and learn about this fantastic industry. I found this was the most difficult part of breaking into the industry. We have to look to the next generation of creative MUA’s.

Abbie May Hopkins Make-Up Artist abbiemay.com twitter.com/abbiemaymua instagram.com/abbiemaymua facebook.com/abbiemaymakeupartist youtube.com/c/AbbieMayMUALDN

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Top by GVENY LONDON

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Feeling Geometry

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Skirt by STINA SMITH Top by AMETHYST BAG Jacket by VINTAGE Necklace by ZARA

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Dress by STINA SMITH Shoes by TOPSHOP Lingerie by CELINE MARIE

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Headpiece by AMETHYST BAG 14

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Jacket by15 STINA SMITH

16 Dress by GVENY LONDON Photographer — LUCA LATROFA Models — PRISCA, LIVIA @ZOEMODELS Stylist — AYISHA AYISHAA Styling Assistant — BARBARA DELKE Hair — ANDREA IDINI MUA — SIMON FRIDRICH Photographer Assistant — DOMENICO GIANNINO

Dress by STINA SMITH Shoes by TOPSHOP Lingerie by CELINE MARIE

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Storming 50’s

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Model – FINN OLDFIELD Styling and photography by OLIVIA SORVEL

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Hellavagirl

A

fter what was a truly outstanding show at London Fashion Week, we spoke with the inspirational Helen Woollams, the brainchild behind the brand Hellavagirl. We talked about her insight, from cradle to grave, into the design process. Here’s what she had to say...

Fashion Intrigues me. I am fascinated by people and how and what we try to express through our clothes. I am infatuated with the notion that our individuality can be expressed through what we decide to throw on in the morning or obsess over for an event.

I launched Hellavagirl after many years as a freelance designer. I wanted to have complete creative vision. The last few years have been insane and seen the label grow from a small set up in my spare bedroom, to a light and airy studio and the team grow with it! There’s so much more to running a label than just designing and creating the collections. It has been, and continues to be, a sharp creative learning curve.

However, I am nothing if not determined.

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Thanks Helen. Could you tell us about your creative process and thought pattern when you conceptualise a new collection?

Before one collection is put to bed, I am already thinking about the next. There will be something I stumbled across in one collection, which influences and inspires me to develop and explore further. Almost like continuing chapters. I hunt and gather obsessively and I am inspired by allsorts.

I collect images, objects, music and films.

From that starting point I build a story, draw and sketch away the evenings into the small hours, while I attempt to illustrate what’s in my mind.

I can’t wait for my ideas come to life, so once I’ve decided on the first ten or so looks, I begin to cut the pieces. I have a passionate love hate relationship with my work. A huge number of ideas end up on the cutting room floor and very few develop into final pieces. The process is all consuming, you could say obsessive, to anyone observing. I am an all or nothing person. Every ounce of my energy goes into what I do and afterwards I feel exhausted, drained, tipped over the edge. I love that empty, dull ache in the pit of your stomach and that’s when I know I have given everything. Then it’s time to start again and fresh ideas are already tick, tick, ticking away inside me.

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Do you ever become unstuck creatively?

I find I have the opposite problem. I get frustrated when I cannot edit ideas, because they are too many and keep me awake at night. I could be working on two collections at a time, even three. However, I think this is about being inspired by what surrounds you. I can be inspired by touch, smell or something which ignites a memory in me and I start to build and elaborate on these ideas to develop a collection. If you have a mental block, you need to forget what you are trying to achieve and fill yourself with passion and desire. I do this by going to a quiet space and clearing my head. I focus on what it is I love, take time out to think and inspiration usually follows.

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Tell us what your creative goals and influences were behind your latest collection, The Last Dawn on Mars, ‘A post-apocalyptic inspired couture collection with dark undertones and a regal rock and roll edge.’?

We’ve seen that quite a lot of your pieces use black as a major theme in their design. Why is this?

Does exactly what it says on the tin right?

I attempted to steer away from the all black everything, which has heavily influenced my earlier collections. OK, so it crept back in there but it always will, like a shadow of me. I was listening to a great deal of Bowie whilst sketching up the looks and I think you can see that influence in the final pieces.

I find that black is my safe place, but it’s also a look and feel that I love. I’m exploring outside of my comfort zone now for the new collections. I could happily create in black season after season, but that just feels too easy and if you know me, you would know nothing I do is ever easy. I would hate to be thought of as one dimensional.

Congratulations on your debut show at Fashion Scout. We certainly enjoyed it!

How did you feel in the run up to the show?

Thank you! In all honesty, although it was such an exciting time leading up to the show, all the hard work and preparation, it was one of my most daunting times. I was so nervous, but I always am before a show.

You need that adrenalin to get pumped up!

I always try to embrace the nerves and the challenge is not to freak out so much, that nothing gets done. I loved every minute of it, it was an exhilarating experience!

Looking back Helen, what was the inspiration behind the name “Hellavagirl”?

The most influential teacher in my life was an awesome artist called Carol Tarrant. She once sent me a message on my Birthday which read: “Happy Birthday Hell of a Girl.” I was just on the verge of branching out on my own creatively and it stuck.

Simple but true.

Your designs, if you don’t mind us saying, are bold and cutting edge. Is there anyone who you think ‘I’d love to design and dress for them’?

Not at all and yes I would love to dress for Lady Gaga, Madonna, Marilyn – Manson, not Monroe! Unfortunately, if I was asked this question a year ago, there would be more on the list but sadly they passed before I had the chance #Bowie #Prince.

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Will you be branching into menswear and would you call it Hellavaboy?

I have some big plans for the year ahead and yes these involve delving into menswear. It’s another challenge and an idea I have been toying with for a while now and so you heard it here first. As for the name, I’m working on that :-) How do you juggle designing, teaching and a relationship?

I have this relentless, insatiable appetite to make this work. That keeps me going, plus I don’t sleep! Seriously, I really don’t sleep

a great deal. Still, if you want something badly enough you do it, right? It’s a fantastically, glorious way of alienating yourself from normal social events. It can take a toll on your personal life, but the good friends understand and stick around. Even when you really only see them very rarely (basically Christmas).

My fiancée comes to the studio to see me and gets involved in all sorts of fashion bizarreness.

Design is in my soul, my life and so you are either with me or without me. Sometimes I actually couldn’t answer how I juggle it all but let’s face it, we are all juggling with what life throws at us.

We hear you’re getting married very soon.

Congratulations! Will you be wearing one of your pieces?

Well, that would be telling :-) What can we expect from Hellavagirl in 2017?

Photographer — WAYNE NOIR Stylist and Art Director — MALAIKA MWANIKI MUA — HELEN LEONARD Designer — HELLAVAGIRL Models (Bald) —SYMARA TEMPLEMAN Models (Hair) —ESTELLE DIGRIDI

Something outrageously fabulous, dark and exciting! Let’s see what September brings!

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Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule Helen, you’re a Hellavagirl!

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Photographer — JAMES ALEXANDER LYON

London Fashion Week

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Jacket by OUTSIDER MOTORCYCLE CLUB

Trodden

by Chris Parkes

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Jacket by OUTSIDER MOTORCYCLE CLUB 42

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Jacket and trousers by OUTSIDER MOTORCYCLE CLUB

Shirt and harness by KTZ Jacket and trousers by LONG CLOTHING Shoes by UNDERGROUND Model — JACK TRODD Photography — CHRIS PARKES Styling — JOANNA HIR Hair — WEIC LIN MUA — GREGORY KARA USING : MAC COSMETICS Photography Assistant — MICHAEL CHAPMAN 46 — HEATHER GREEN & CLAUDIA ALONSO Styling Assistants

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Tatou Couture 49

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Photography by GRAHAM CANN Stylist and Art Direction by JOEY BEVAN MUA by ABBIE ROSE Hair by JODIE AUSTEN Photo Assistant by LAURENCE TROLET Retouching by GINA HARRISON Lingerie by TATOU COUTURE Models Hannah Epstone — Model 1 Jenny Guttridge — Profile Model Management

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For the love of TILES

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Hair by JENNA HUNT Clothes by VANS, DOC MARTENS,BENETTON, PRADA, AGENT PROVOCATEUR, VINTAGE BENETTON PIECES Make-up by JENNA HUNT Stylist by MAGDALENA JAKUBIK Photography by MAGDALENA JAKUBIK Model — AIMEE CLARK Extra help — CHRIS HUNTER AND BENETTON, PRIVATE VINTAGE BENETTON COLLECTION

DAM Models an interview with

Hassan ReeSe

H

ow did DAM come about?

I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I took 4 months out of employment between December 2015 and March 2016 to think about the concept. During that time, I was able to think clearly and brainstorm in order to focus on what I wanted it all to look like.

It dawned on me that I could use my own experience and passion for the industry, as a basis to create a business in the form of a model agency dedicated to males.

I decided that the agency would be for males only, as I know how the male fashion industry works. I haven’t looked back since.

What does DAM stand for?

DAM stands for Dedicated And Male.

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Is there a “DAM” model and what does he look like?

A DAM model looks cool. There is definitely not a certain type of model which I go for as all of my models look quite different from one another.

What makes you different from other dedicated male agencies?

DAM is different from other model agencies, because we have no favorites and we try to take time to develop and build a relationship with each model. As the founder of DAM, I ensure that each guy can speak to me at anytime – which most agencies do not do. I’d like to think that there is a tiny part of me in every model on my books, so I try to treat them all as if they were me. I really do care about my guys!

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I see that you are a model on your own books. Do you find this helps with getting models onto your books?

I cannot say that me being on the books has helped us to get models. None of my models have said this to me anyway. I’d be humbled to know if this was the case and that I actually have this type of influence!

You are also Usain Bolt’s body double.

How did that happen and where has it taken you?

I went to a casting, which consisted of about fifty 6’3”, 6’4” and 6’5” athletic, black guys. Luckily, I got the job! I’ve 66

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had the privilege of working closely with Usain himself on many occasions. I’ve been flown out to countries such as Spain and Germany to work as his double. I’ve worked with most of his sponsors, including Puma, Gatorade and Visa and still work with them now.

Is this your main job?

I work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday as a Paralegal. I manage DAM outside of these hours, but manage to sneak in a bit of time during the day. Although it can be hard at times, it’s not a big problem overall. I don’t see managing DAM as work, as I love doing it.

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What are your plans for the next 6 months with DAM? I plan to keep growing and sharpening the board. I will also be employing a full-time, head booker very soon. Then I will create a DAM team!

Are your books always open for male models and can anyone apply?

My books are always open. Guys can apply by writing to info@dammodelmanagement.com, and by sending a few pictures of themselves with their statistics.

We do have some minimum, physical requirements: height 5’11, maximum height 6’3, maximum chest 38, and maximum waist 34.

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Have you been approached by female models to join your books? Do you have any plans to expand into the female market?

I receive 2 to 3 messages every week from females who wish to join DAM. I assume they think I have girls on the books as well. DAM is an all-male model agency. Having said that, it is something I have thought about. For now, the focus is on building DAM. If you could give one piece of advice to male models what would it be?

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Don’t take rejection too personally, as it’s a big part of being a model for most. We’ve all experienced unsuccessful castings but it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

It just means the client was searching for a model with a different look to yours.

Lastly, if you could choose your ultimate male to go on your books who would it be?

David Beckham? There is no better brand for men’s fashion than brand Beckham, as he’s known across the globe. He has a fantastic look, bar a few inches in height lol. It would get us instant recognition in the fashion industry on a global level.

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Photographer — JC CANDANEDO Fashion Styling — SYBILLE SPECK Model — KOJO HAMMOND @FIRST MODEL MANAGEMENT Photography72 Assistant — ANDRZEJ GRUSZKA Jacket by DONGHYUN KIM Trousers by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Shoes by ONDON BROGUES Open bangle by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

Jacket by HE&DE FEBER Cape by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Open bangle by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

Disjointed

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Jacket by HE&DE FEBER Top by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Open necklace by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

Coat by DONGHYUN KIM Top by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Trousers by HE&DE FEBER Shoes by DE MIGUEL Open necklace by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

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Top by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Closed bangle by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

Coat by HE&DE FEBER Ring by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

Jacket by HE&DE FEBER Trousers by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Open necklace by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

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Top by MAKSYMILIAN GOROCKIEWICZ Ring by PER INCISO BY GIADA GIACHINO

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88 88 Hair by PETER GRAY & MOROCCANOIL Make-up by DAIVA KAZLAUSKAITE Stylist by ALISON COONEY & VANESSA BOLAND Dresses by KRISTIAN AADNAVIK Photography by MAGDA MAGDALENA JAKUBIK Assistant hair stylists by Joy Team Models — INDIA LOWNDS (ZONE MODELS), ANNABELL R.(MOT), GRACE CAIRNS (MOT), AGATA MAZUR (BMA), JEANETTE BELAOUANE (BMA) EXTRA INFO — MOROCCAN OIL, TEXTURE LAUNCH, ROSEWOOD HOTEL & GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL MARRIOTT, LONDON UK Agencies — MCSAATCHI, MOROCCANOIL, MOT, ZONE, BMA

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Cool Cat

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Coat by VEIL LONDON 92

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Trench by ANDRADA BODEA 94

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Dress by ANDRADA BODEA Jumper by VEIL LONDON 96

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Photographer — IRINA CHIRA Model — ALICIA @OXYGENMODELS MUAH — CAMILLA MARZOLO Stylist — PAMELA NAVARRO Designers — ANDRADA BODEA & VEIL LONDON

Republic

by Omar Farooq

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Photographer — MUHAMMAD HUSNAIN MAHMOOD Designer — OMAR FAROOQ Stylist — YASSER ABDUL AZIZ DAR Co-ordination — AARINDA TUL NOOR

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Tulle dress with black pearls insert by YUFASH Black tulle skirt by ZARA

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Hi JC! So where did it all start for you?

Well, I was born in Panama to a Catalan family and in my early twenties I moved to Barcelona where I lived for almost 15 years. I’ve moved around a bit, spent some time in New York until finally, I made London my home. Before becoming a photographer, I was an IT Project Manager for about 20 years, but I always felt out of place in that career. Like a fish out of the water. It wasn’t until my mid-thirties, when I finally plucked up the courage to change industries and pursue a career in photography. My long held passion.

2017 is my fifth year as a professional photographer and I’m loving every minute of it!

At what age did you first become interested in photography?

JC Candanedo Photographer

I’ve always enjoyed photography. For as long as I can remember, I was always the friend or the relative who had the camera.

There was something about documenting life that was appealing to me. People around me seemed to enjoy it, so they always trusted that I would be taking the photos wherever we went.

How did you start your career? What were some of the hurdles you encountered in the beginning?

I started out, as I think most photographers do, by shooting family and friends. But it took me a long time before deciding that I wanted to photograph people for a living.

For a short while, I played around with food photography, street photography, still life and events. But nothing felt right until I started to take more interest in portraiture.

I think that one of the biggest obstacles I encountered, at the very beginning, was that I made this career change in the middle of a recession. I was still living in Barcelona at the time. During those years, I couldn’t find anyone who was as committed as I was to becoming a full-time creative.

People were just focusing on making money to survive, which is understandable considering the difficult times we were living in. You know, when you are starting out, there is very little money in this industry.

Everyone that I knew back then was just trying to keep their day job and pay the bills! At times I felt like I was the only fool who wanted to pursue a career in a creative field. I just couldn’t find a support group, a community.

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Alison is wearing white satin dress by KONSANSZKY and necklet by OLIVER BONAS Celia is wearing black silk dress with white pearls by NICOLA BRINDLE and Bracelet by SWAROVSKY

Print flower dress from Spanish Caravan Collection

by MARTA CUCCINIELLO Black shoes by GUESS

Do you remember your very first fashion shoot?

Why fashion photography?

Did you study photography?

Yes, I did. I went to the New York Institute of Photography. It’s not that I think that you need to have a degree to be able to work as a professional photographer, but since I started so late in my life, I decided that I needed some sort of formal education in photography to understand what I was getting myself into. And I’m so 108 happy that I did!

Well, like I said, I tried different types of photography before deciding that I wanted to shoot people. I was influenced during the final 6 years of my previous career, while working in a fashion house based in Barcelona. From my experiences and influences there, it just felt natural to work in fashion. It felt right. Besides, fashion photography is always more theatrical, if that makes sense, and I love having an outlet for all the stories in my mind.

I do. It was a disaster! We wanted to shoot something for our portfolios, but in hindsight we really didn’t know what we were doing. The clothes were from someone’s wardrobe and were all the wrong size for the model. The model was someone who we cast online and who wasn’t really a professional model.

We were supposed to shoot on location but it started raining, so we had to go indoors and that kind of ruined the mood for everyone. In the end, the model looked miserable in all the photos. But the lessons we learned were priceless.

That experience made me realize how important each aspect of a fashion shoot is. It’s not only about the photo and its technicalities (composition, light, etc.) but about the whole production: styling, makeup, hair, talent, location. It’s like a puzzle, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

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Have you travelled much throughout your career? What are some of your favourite shoot locations?

I’m always travelling! For work, for leisure, sometimes both at the same time! Something that I like to do when I travel somewhere, is to get in touch with local creatives and come up with collaborations. You learn so much when you see life through the eyes of other creatives! I would have to say that my favourite location so far, has been Sydney. There is just something about Australia, its sights and its people that just resonate and inspire.

Who are your favourite photographers?

There so many outstanding photographers and every one of them for a different reason. I like Testino’s freshness, Teller’s rawness, Knight’s creativity and Mert and Marcus’s daring style!

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What are your proudest career moments so far?

What was the influence and your thought process behind the editorial “Mundane”?

It’s funny that you ask, because though it might sound silly, I think that my proudest moment was the first time I told someone that I was a photographer. After almost two decades in the wrong industry, when I was finally able to switch careers, I felt so proud of myself. After that, everything has been a sequence of proud moments: the first time that I signed a client, the first time that I published a photo, the first time that my work was exhibited.

“Mundane”, is a fashion editorial concept that I wanted to shoot for a long time.

As a photographer, I spend a long time promoting myself in social media. While I am at it, I also take some time to check other people’s profiles – and let me tell you, if everything that people post on social media were true, then life would be just a big glamorous party! That got me to thinking, that even all the people who post photos of their glamorous lifestyles, have to do mundane things in their not so public lives. We all have to do the chores, or go out and buy groceries or even go to the bathroom!

Sheer shirt and skirt with grey printed flowers by NAYA REA Black patent shoes by LA BOUTTINE SOURIANTE

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What advice would you give to a young or new photographer reading this, who is starting out?

Anything creative. Before choosing photography, I considered writing or cooking. I enjoy doing them both, just nowhere near as much as Photography.

Like in every business endeavour, the first few years are about building the foundations of your career. Don’t despair if you don’t see enough money or if the money that you make only covers expenses.

Focus on building a strong brand, with a unique voice. These days, literally anyone can take a photo, but not everyone can be a photographer. Being a photographer requires a set of skills that are very underrated. We are business people, we are artists, we are project managers, we are producers, we are re-touchers… and sometimes we are even psychologists! Our eyes are trained to see beauty, even in the oddest of places and with the click of a button we have the ability to freeze time.

How’s that for a super power?

To make it big in this industry, what kind of skills do you need, aside from being talented at shooting?

Well, I don’t know if I have made it anywhere yet, but I think that in order to survive as a full-time photographer nowadays, you also need to be business savvy. Otherwise, you will struggle to keep your career afloat.

What do you think is the main priority to focus on for budding creative Photographers?

Grey draped dress by SHAO YEN

If you weren’t a photographer, which career path do you think you would have gone down?

Black and white dress from Spanish Caravan Collection

by MARTA CUCCINIELLO

Perseverance is key. This career is not a sprint, but a marathon – and we are all running together, so a good sense of community is important too.

Photographer — JC CANDANEDO Stylist — ROBERTA BITTO Hair — RYU KYOUGOKU MUA — SABRINE SALEM RION ModelsMagazine•Issue — ALISON LYONS NOIR & CELIA KRUG

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Photographer, Creative Direction & Stylist — CHAMP IMI Retouched — GAGAN DHALIWAL MUAH — SAIMA KIRAN Model — ISABELLA BESQUE @NAMEDMODELS

Provocative

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Photographer, Creativer Direction and Stylist — CHAMP IMI Retoucher — GAGAN DHALIWAL Make-up and Hair — SAIMA KIRAN Model — ISABELLA BESQUE Bikini’s by VICTORIA’S SECRET Beige Top by RIVER ISLAND Dungaree by TOPSHOP Black Dress by ASOS Blue Top by PRETTY LITTLE THING Black n White Trouser by TOPSHOP Accessories120

by ACCESSORIZE

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Becky Hong Pretty Ugly

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Designer — BECKY K HONG

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Contradiction 127

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Photography by WAYNE NOIR MUA by SITA GILL 128 MALOMHEGYI & AYISHA ONUORAH Models — ANETT

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