Photography
OLIVIA LIFUNGULA
Styling
NATHAN KLEIN
“Everybody has just been reminded that love is so important for all of us, whether it’s from friends, for family or toward strangers,” says Nathan Klein, reflecting on life during the global lockdown. “If people loved more there will be more change. Love isn’t simply what you say, it’s a call to action as well.” These sentiments, shared by so many today, were the springboard for this special cover story. The London-based stylist took the issue’s theme of ‘romanticism’ to create a shoot steeped in many forms of love.
The British-Algerian talent started out studying photography, media and design before finding his true medium of expression through styling. Inspired by nature and all things colourful and fantastical, he uses his talents to promote diversity and sustainability. His clients have included Carhartt, Kenzo and Off-White as well as titles such as Vogue Ukraine, Dazed and The New York Times.
For this project, Klein brought together a team he believes “represents a new generation of creatives” including photographer Olivia Lifungula, whose lens here has gracefully captured true intimacy between lovers, friends and families. Meanwhile Klein crafted the looks using Bianca Saunders’ SS21 collection. This young designer’s approach defies gender stereotypes to explore the most tender reaches of masculinity. “Bianca’s work brings a vulnerability to tailoring, there’s a lot of softness, colour and warmth,” Klein says.
To expand the mood further still, Klein also joined forces with DJ stephseeks to curate a Spotify playlist that will “take listeners to different places in their heart”. stephseeks is co-founder of Born n Bread, a south London-based DJ collective that centres Black voices and community through music, and founder of releasss, an event that offers people the space to focus on their mind and body wellness through sonic experiences. For Nataal, her choice of tracks present romance beyond the confinements of lust, sex and heartbreak. “It’s sensual, reflective, nurturing and liberating, reminding listeners of the various ways we express love in song,” stephseeks tells us. “Press play and immerse yourself.”
Creative
Words Blessing Borode
Playlist curation stephseeks and releasss
Photography Olivia Lifungula
Styling Nathan Klein at CLM
Make-up Amidat Giwa at Bryant Artists and Mary Jane Gotidoc using make up forever hair
Nails Aliyah Johnson
Set design Gabrielle Oke
Set mentoring Alice Andrews at The Wall Group
Casting Tytiah Blake at Unit C
Production Ayesha Marr
Photography assistance Irene Arraez and Tenille Foster
Styling assistance Elena Scanagatta Hair assistance Avrelle Delisser and Muriel Cole Art direction assistance Stephanie Kane
Fashion Bianca Saunders
Jewellery Goldsalt
Shoes Camper
Cast
Penelope Akinde
Zion Akinde
Lennie Ballack & Jennie Wright
Haruna at First London
Barbra Broadley
Bevan Agyemang
Feven
Halo
River
Luis and Miguel Cabral De Barros at Contact Models