SPRING /SUMMER 2022
SPECIAL EDITION! CURATED BY DJENABÉ
FASHION, CULTURA L IDENTITY, STORYTELLING AN D IMAGINING THE FU TURE.
Y H P A R G O T PHO D N A R IN A B . T H G I L W E N
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At Beau Photo, we’ve seen many changes over the years, but our commitment to all things photographic continues. Exhibition opens April 21st at Beau Photo Supplies
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Beau Photo beauphotostore @beauphotostore
An exhibition that takes a closer look at what’s around us and what’s important to us in these precarious times. Online exhibition begins April 21st at www.beauphoto.com
ISABELLE GERARD Montreal, QC
RAISING THE CURTAIN ON EVERYDAY LIFE “ This image features an artist from Montreal’s drag burlesque scene, Heaven Genderfck (@itsheavengenderfck) off stage, in their daily life. W hen an artist leaves the stage and takes off their costume, it would be wrong to believe that their character disappears until the next curtain rise. This character continues to be alive and is inspired and nourished by the daily life of the artist.”
IG: @pixzabelle
IN THIS ISSUE... 10 RESOURCES WE LOVE By Alan Bulley 12 CONVERGENCE By Christopher Schmitt 14 STYLE, SET, + STORY: AN INTERVIEW WITH PHOTO DUO SATY NAMVAR AND PRATHA SAMYRAJAH By Djenabé 18 11 THINGS YOU NEED IN YOUR STUDIO KIT By Djenabé 19 THE INTERACTIVE IMAGE By Djenabé 22 QUEBEC’S FASHION BOOM By Djenabé 26 THE MODERN MUSE By Richard Bernardin 29 FASHION FORWARD FRAMES Djenabé, Patricia Ellah, and Zahara Siddiqi in conversation.
34 THE BIPOC PHOTO MENTORSHIP PROGRAM By Heather Morton 37 THE FUTURE OF PHOTOGRAPHY EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM ACROSS CANADA 44 THE GALLERY SUBMISSIONS
FEATURING: ALEJANDRO SILVA CORTES ANGELI PROFETA APRIL WINTER BRETT BOYD BRIAN LAVERY CALVIN MOON CAMERON LAWRENCE CONAN STARK DALE LEUNG ELISHA LOZARES
GABRIEL GUTIERREZ GEOFF MILLS GUN ROZE HANNAH TKATCH HYEIN ANNE KWON ISABELLE GERARD JONATHAN CAMPBELL KAKU KENYI KATE ROY KRISTIN MAN LEAH DEN BOK
MICHELLE GOULET MITCHELL BROWN NATALIE ‘RARE’ CHATTARGOON SAHAR RANA SKYE TAO TAYLOR ARBEAU TAYLOR NEAL TYLOR KEY-CARR VERONICA SCALLION WINNER AIGBOGUN
CURATOR’S NOTE
THE UTTER EXCITEMENT I am experiencing
while writing this letter simply cannot be contained into words! Curating this issue has been one of the most liberating labours of love I’ve indulged in to date. In this issue, I was keen to share futurefocused stories, make space for imagination, and explore the two-headed entity that has influenced all of my creative inclinations: fashion and the future. photographs saturated my world at an “The distinction between Fashion early age, and my fascination with their role culture and visualizing the future the past, present, and inhasshaping only grown. My fashion-model mother future is only a stubbornly kept a surplus of portfolio photographs and magazines around for my curious eyes. persistent illusion.” fashion My parents owned a clothing store on Queen
— Albert Einstein
Street West in Toronto in the early 2000s. I vividly remember my mother dressing the mannequins, walking runways, and posing for photographs.
Inevitably, I became a photographer. But curation is a new niche for me: one that draws on my penchant for looking at images,
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examining Afro-Caribbean culture, and writing about art. I was excited to collaborate with photographers from across Canada, and discuss the evolution of a photograph, the relationship fashion has with cultural identity, and photography’s role in the future. It is with joy and gratitude to all the creative collaborators who shared their time, artwork, and future visions with me that I present this very special edition. I hope this collection of stories and outstanding photography continues to spark conversations about the future of photography and the cultural significance of the fashion image. Your issue curator, Djenabé
Follow me into the future: @visionsofdjenabe www.aquariusmood.com
MAGAZINE
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SPRING/SUMMER 2022 ISSUE #64 ISSN 1708-282X EDITOR/PUBLISHER
PhotoED Magazine is published 3x/year, SPRING, FALL, & WINTER See www.photoed.ca for subscription and advertising information. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40634032 PhotoED Magazine 2100 Bloor St. West, Suite 6218 Toronto, ON M6S 5A5 This issue was made possible with the assistance of the Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada.
Rita Godlevskis /rita@photoed.ca
Ruth Alves Richard Bernardin Alan Bulley Djenabé Heather Morton Christopher Schmitt ART DIRECTOR
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FASHION FORWARD Resources for future reference BY ALAN BULLEY
WATCH THIS. THE NEXT BLACK: A FILM ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CLOTHING
Directed by David Dworsky and Victor Kohler
THE POWER OF STYLE: HOW FASHION AND BEAUTY ARE BEING USED TO RECLAIM CULTURES By Christian Allaire
Did you know that textile production is one of the most resource-intensive industries on the planet and that our consumption of textiles is exploding? Resisting the temptation to paint an end-of-the-world scenario, The Next Black highlights industry pioneers working at the intersections of fashion, digital technology, environmental concerns, and biological engineering. From Lady Gaga’s bubble-blowing harness, to a dress grown as bacteria in a vat of liquid, to biotech wearables for athletes, the clothes we wear are becoming more innovative, sustainable, and interactive.
Dedicated to “all the kids who feel like they aren’t seen or heard,” The Power of Style takes seriously how what we wear speaks loudly about our cultures, politics, and economics. This is a kids book that adults need to read. Christian Allaire, a fashion writer for Vogue and an Ojibwe, understands the complex interplay of style, power, and self-expression in our daily lives. He gives young readers a wealth of well-illustrated examples of how diverse groups are using fashion to express themselves and to strengthen their communities.
2014; 46 minutes Find it FREE on YouTube
Softcover, 2021, 96 pages $15. + shipping Annick Press
BLACK FUTURES Edited by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham What does it mean to be Black and alive right now? That’s the question behind this rich diving board of a book that invites readers to get their feet wet in contemporary Black experience and then to jump into imagining — and creating — Black futures. The book does not claim to be comprehensive, but there is so much content here that the book’s signposts are welcome: a simple set of colour codes and thematic sections with names such as Black Lives Matter, Joy, Power, and Memory. A multilayered resource to consult, rather than read from start to finish. Hardcover, 2020, 544 pages $54 + shipping
youtube.com/watch?v=XCsGLWrfE4Y
GREY AREA Written, directed, and produced by Keesha Chung Keesha Chung’s first short film is a glimpse into the life of an aspiring model in the fashion industry. Keesha aims to highlight the work and stories of creatives of colour. Her film premiered in November 2021 and draws on the skills of an all-Toronto crew on both sides of the camera and showcases the city itself. 2020; 14 minutes For more information, including up-coming screenings, visit greyareamovie.com 10 photo ED
AFTER PHOTOGRAPHY By Fred Ritchin For many photographers, the choice between digital and analogue can break down to a question of aesthetics. Fred Ritchin, Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography, draws readers into a much deeper discussion of the challenges and opportunities of digital media and the way they affect how we perceive and engage with the world around us. A provocative book for those of us who want to reflect on the images we make and the images we consume.
#SAVE
HARCOURT
HOUSE
Hardcover, 2008, 160 pages $33 + shipping
Make Room By Trevor Twells Make Room is an artistic and social venture to help “empower marginalized and emerging artists with the resources and means to reach broader audiences.” So far, site founder Trevor Twells has connected more than 300 artists with Toronto businesses and organizations willing to make display and window space available. Given how difficult and costly it can be for new visual artists to get their work into physical venues, this is an interesting proof of concept that could be spread to other cities, whatever their size. One to watch! More information available at makeroom.me
GoFundMe
3rd floor, 10215 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T5K 1M7 harcourthouse.ab.ca info@harcourthouse.ab.ca 780 426 4180
STYLE, SET, + STORY International, award-winning, Toronto-based photo duo Saty Namvar and Pratha Samyrajah draw their inspiration from their diverse backgrounds and life experiences to champion an optimistic, modern, and inclusive concept of beauty. BY DJENABÉ
SATY AND PRATHA have worked with commercial clients such as Christian Louboutin, Hudson’s Bay, i-D, inStyle, Mercedes-Benz, Uniqlo, Vice, and Vogue, as well as their own personal projects. So of course, we’re excited to share a few of their images and to ask them some questions about their process. Djenabé: When did you realize your photographic eyes were compatible? How did the magical S+P duo form? S+P: Before we started working together, we were a couple: that in itself requires compatibility. We first met in university, so the bulk of our visual reference points and leanings have been discovered and established as we’ve grown up together. Although we have our own voices and viewpoints, the Venn diagram of how we see things and what makes our brains fire up largely overlaps.
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THINGS YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU PACKED IN YOUR STUDIO KIT BY DJENABÉ
1. Fishing line (nylon/acrylic thread): If you enjoy designing elaborate sets for still life objects or products, then thread is your best friend! Acrylic string contains the power of invisibility and optical illusion. With the right lighting and post-production techniques, it can make things appear as if they are magically floating in the air. 2. Magnets: Fashion designers often use them to pick up stray pins and needles, but on set they can be used to hold up metal jewellery and fasten lightweight props onto upright surfaces. 3. Sticky tack and bubble gum: This one’s for you improvisers and MacGyvers out there! When all else fails, these two adhesives are the most reliable. Imagine trying to photograph an upright pencil without string or tape. Chewing gum will solve that problem real quick.
6. Bristol board: Whether you’re on a budget or on the go, buying some black and white bristol board from a dollar store will never fail you. This versatile paper board can become a reflector, flag, or even a backdrop. The options are limitless! 7. Binder clips: Nowadays these nifty little things come in all kinds of colours and sizes, and they are perfect for fitting clothing to a model, attaching fabric backdrops to each other, or fashioning a bristol board flag to a stand. 8. Plastic wrap: Another optically illusive tool, this kitchen staple can act as a protective lens barrier for spittakes, wet dogs, or any situations where the camera can be exposed to splashes. Plastic wrap can also create some glaring effects, so you may need to use a polarizing lens filter to avoid those.
4. Lucky socks: “Dude, where’s my lens cap!?” is the age-old internal dialogue of a photographer. Critics may disagree, but I always bring a pair of socks with me on set in case I lose a lens cover or need to cushion it on a hard surface. Think about socks like a lens-cozy. Fuzzy socks or slippers can also be a great substitute for dirty sneakers on light-coloured, seamless backdrops.
9. Mounting tape: Regular tape does most jobs, but mounting tape has the added bonus of being double-sided and super strong!
5. Party horn (noise-makers): Not your conventional studio tool, but these can come in super handy when you’re trying to get toddlers and pets to focus on the lens.
11. Water: A friendly reminder to stay hydrated! But it’s also good to keep spray bottles of water handy for adding a dewy effect to products or to quickly wipe down surfaces.
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10. Beaded jewellery: Not a necessity, but definitely a surefire way of simulating lovely lens flares and beautiful bokehs when you’re feeling creative.
the interactive image BY DJENABÉ
Photography’s destiny has been a topic of discussion since the digital photography boom began. A camera is now widely accessible and incorporated into every mobile device, and reaching for it is second nature. Image making is a communication activity that has bred a new language of implicit metaphors and memes alike.
Of course, pop culture has naturally found new ways of remixing and reinterpreting images, but where does that position photography’s role in the art space of the future? I wonder if we will ever outgrow the presentation of a flat-framed image on a white wall. As deadpan and clinical as the white walls are, they still work; the art awaits eyes. But beyond galleries, billboards, and magazines, how else can photographs be exhibited? How will the display of photographic art evolve? This question revisits my brain often and has prompted my own work and connected me with other local boundary-pushing visual artists making interactive imagery. photo ED 19
experience is rare, hence the reason why not every person who inspires an artist is or becomes a muse. Can one find or sculpt their perfect Muse? Speaking from personal experience, I would say yes to a certain degree. The sense of collaborative synergy that I develop with my Muses stems from multiple photoshoots done together, in which we built rapport, familiarity, and confidence. Additionally, trust is established while interacting before and after the shoot on a more personal level. The antithesis to this approach is the infamous French idiom of “Sois belle et tais-toi,” taken from a 1959 song written and composed by Serge Gainsbourg for a movie, which translates to Be Beautiful But Shut Up. This method was the unspoken “ordre du jour” for a long time in the fashion industry in regards to the extent of a model’s role on a shoot. This kind of disdain and outdated thinking is clearly unacceptable and the opposite of establishing a connection with your subject. So YES, this type of relationship can be built on but it requires personal investment and authenticity. And NO it cannot be assumed or fabricated because a fake connection creates unease, wariness, and the sense that something is amiss. On the contrary, when all the right components come together in just the right way, it kind of happens serendipitously. I also pose this question: Is this concept relevant in our fast-paced era where images 28 photo ED
are quickly consumed, redundant, and disposable? I think it depends on what your intentions are with your work. If you’re preoccupied with creating voluminous amounts of content (I vehemently dislike this word in this context and do NOT consider myself a content maker) for the “Gram” or for clients who just want the “look of the moment,” a Muse may be irrelevant to you. The concept of the Muse retains its relevance when the creator and the subject’s goal is to create work that is singular and not dictated by trends. Then the work has depth, identity, and purpose and it will undoubtedly stand the test of time. These are obviously goals to strive for and their efficacy will vary depending on the context and parameters of the shoot. The intent of the photographer inherently attracts like-minded collaborators, and when that happens, sparks can fly. If you want to experience a different kind of growth and depth in your interactions with your subjects, be real, talk with them, be present and truly listen, include them in your creative process, exchange ideas and ask for their feedback. Over time, the relationship with your subject will grow, shine, and flourish. Then maybe, just maybe, they’ll become a Muse, and if not, you’ll certainly have made a great friend. richardbernardin.com IG: @richardbernardinphoto
FASHION FORWARD FRAMES The photography of PATRICIA ELLAH
A conversation hosted by photoED Magazine issue curator DJENABÉ, photographer PATRICIA ELLAH, and curator ZAHARA SIDDIQI that examines the significance of fashion photography as an art form and a vehicle for cultural identity.
‘Artist Ehiko Odeh,’ “The Keeper Of The Wardrobe,” Makeup by Tamar Ellah. Toronto, Ontario, 2021. photo ED 29
A virtual village raising fresh photo talent BY HEATHER MORTON
THE BIPOC PHOTO MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (BPM) began in Toronto in 2020 as a way to address systematic barriers that face Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour entering into professional photographic practice. There is significant lack of diversity in all areas of the industry but, through mentorship opportunities, BPM can help to fast track inclusion, and offer crucial support to emerging photographers. The premise is simple: connecting established professionals with emerging talent. Mentors offer what they can and mentees comb through the master list to find a fit that is right for them. Since the program began over 200 mentorships have been facilitated, connecting more than 100 mentors from all parts of the industry with mentees from Canada, the United States, and all over the world.
Unlike many structured mentorship programs, it’s up to the mentor to think about what they can offer, and for mentees to determine what would be most beneficial to them. Mentee’s reach out according to their particular interest. Our master list of mentors includes professionals who work in all areas of photography, sharing their experience in commercial work, fashion, documentary, photojournalism, and fine art. The program has helped emerging photographers receive grants, gain access to photography studios for the first time, and feel inspired to start new projects or continue projects that have stalled due to a lack of guidance or support. Both mentees and mentors report being invigorated by working with each other. Since the inception of BPM, we’ve heard many stories about how life changing these mentorships have been. Sumi Siddiqa and her mentor Mark Binks.
Sumi Siddiqa is a young fashion photographer and director from Toronto who joined the program in late 2020. She landed a mentorship with Toronto-based fashion photographer Mark Binks, who recalls seeing
her application for the first time. He says, “The minute I read her email and had a look at her portfolio, I knew she was the right mentee for me. I was absolutely floored (and perhaps a little jealous?!) at her level of creativity and the quality of her work, especially for someone just starting out.” After Mark and Sumi committed to the mentorship, Mark invited her to visit him at his studio. Sumi recalls how eager she was and states that this gave her the opportunity “to network and it provided on-set experience assisting, which allowed me to learn proper set etiquette and Capture One software.” As someone who did not study photography formally, Sumi valued the ability to bridge the gap between what she learned on her own, and the professional practices and protocols of commercial fashion work. She explains, “Being a photographer can be an isolating experience, especially when you are starting out and trying to figure out your business, aesthetics, and the fashion world. It’s nice to have someone show you the ropes and introduce you to working creatives. [The mentorship] gave me access to a community, which at the time seemed very out of reach.” Sumi’s mentor Mark can relate and expresses that this is what drove him, in part, to offer multiple mentorships through BPM. He says, “As someone who never had much mentorship myself, I can tell you that it can be a pretty lonely place emotionally trying to get started, to plug away, to wonder if what you’re doing is even any good.” As is the case with most mentorships in the BPM program, Sumi and Mark quickly become mutually supportive and beneficial colleagues. Mark recalls, “I found our conversations with respect to [Sumi’s] work and her process profoundly inspiring. I think mentoring someone regarding things you’ve spent years trying to perfect certainly requires some considerable self-examination; recalling my past experiences, my successes and my failures, was something I found to be incredibly rewarding for myself, and it’s been wonderful to watch Sumi really start taking control of her career and her future.” Sumi feels that the mentorship helped her hone in on the type of media she wants to create and it gave her confidence in her abilities. Furthermore, she states that the program “is a step in the right direction, especially when it comes to diversifying the production sets we work on.” For more information about this program, please visit: www.bipocphotomentorship.com IG: @bipocphotomentorship
Business casual? Maybe we’re just casual. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for hosting North America’s popular photographic shows, fairs and auctions once again. Whether you dress cool or casual for our next event, we look forward to seeing you there. Check date, time and venue announcements in our free newsletter or on our website.
www.phsc.ca
Image by Hailley Fayle
THE FUTURE OF PHOTOGRAPHY We asked emerging photographers from across Canada for their thoughts on the future of photography. Each photographer responded to these questions:
If the first wave of commercially available photographic technology was film cameras, and the second was digital imaging (digital cameras and phones), what is your prediction for the next wave? How will people in the future make, display, and reflect on our world through a lens? We received some very interesting responses and predictions! > photo ED 37
“ FINDING AND SPEAKING WITH A UNIQUE VOICE IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.”
LUCAS TRONG LANGARA COLLEGE Vancouver, BC I think photography and art are both mediums of communication that are paradoxically repetitive and evolving. Although film photography has largely been replaced by digital technology, traditional methods have become a niche and trending new option. New ways to create images such as taking video screenshots, using AI models, or creating images in virtual reality have come further into common practice as pandemic restrictions challenged in-person image-making.
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In the future, I think there will be many new tools to create images. However, I don’t think that when a new visual form is created, it will eliminate the previous one. Creating new waves in the future is not so distant. No one knows what the future holds. Yesterday’s predictions are often today’s bad jokes. As we are starting to see technologies emerge in 3D and AI, vintage cameras and processes are simultaneously back in vogue. DSLRs are looking a bit shaky, while compacts
don’t look like they’ll last the night. Photography is an art medium that expresses artistic statements. I believe that pictures are language for a photographer. Finding and speaking with a unique voice is the ultimate goal for photographers, now and in the future. I think the future of photography is assured. www.lucatrong.com IG: @lucas.trong
Focus on your future. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY DIPLOMA Prepare for your career as a professional photographer with a diploma at Langara. Apply now for fall 2022. langara.ca/photo langaraphoto
“SOFIA” BY AUTUMN PHAM LANGARA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY DIPLOMA GRADUATE, 2020
THE GALLERY SUBMISSIONS BY OUR READERS
APRIL WINTER Mayne Island, BC
“EXODUS TO EUROPA is a self-portrait series about a fictional expedition to colonize a new terrestrial place. I explore ideas about fashion, status, bias, and ideologies that we might bring with us from Earth and how they might change over time as we adapt to a new way of living. I n the year 2300, a handful of the world’s leaders and noble families gather to coordinate a mass departure from Earth. The voyagers plan to flee with some of civilization’s most prized possessions. They cling desperately to these heirlooms of a past human existence, the very objects that consumed the planet from which they fled. Their first destination was an icy
moon of Jupiter, Europa.” IG: @aprilbluewinter
SAHAR RANA Toronto, ON
“ Parishae, my model, showed me this beautiful dress which inspired me to create these images. I wanted to play around with the idea of creating an artificially-made natural environment. I digitally created the atoms and lighting effects, hence the title of this series: ‘Elements’.” IG: @saharrrana
ISABELLE GERARD Montreal, QC
RAISING THE CURTAIN ON EVERYDAY LIFE “ This image features an artist from Montreal’s drag burlesque scene, Heaven Genderfck (@itsheavengenderfck) off stage, in their daily life. When an artist leaves the stage and takes off their costume, it would be wrong to believe that their character disappears until the next curtain rise. This character continues to be alive and is inspired and nourished by the daily life of the artist.” IG: @pixzabelle
BRIAN LAVERY Port Alberni, BC
“ My summer ensemble is T-shirts and shorts. My winter ensemble is T-shirts and pants. The future of fashion for me will be more T-shirts. A few years back, reading Steven King’s, ‘Carrie,’ I learned about telekinesis, which is moving objects using mental power. Soon I forgot about it. Two or three months ago I woke up about four in the morning thinking about telekinesis. That happened several times. My subconscious told me to try it with T-shirts. It worked! While I can’t lift the full weight, I can slide it a couple of inches to the right. I can do that twice, then I am spent. I am cold, faint and nauseous. I can hardly move for an hour. Perhaps in the future someone with more mental energy than me can develop this further.” www.brianlavery.ca
VERONICA SCALLION Edmonton, AB
“ I absolutely adore the retro futurism aesthetic and as a photographer on my studio days I always try something new; equipment, lighting, style, anything to keep those creative flames going! I am always on the hunt for something more conceptual and a retro futuristic look has been on my mind for ages. An inspirational costume image popped up on my IG feed so I sent it to one of my favourite cosplayer/model friends, @carleybombshell, and she was instantly hooked! We decided to mash up cosplay and retro futurism to create content that will work for both of us! In order to make sure the character would be easily recognizable we decided on iconic pop culture and Retro Futurism Ariel was born! After discussing details of an outfit, all props to Carley for her skills in this, she then brought in a campy drag, cosplay, and burlesque friend, @ellaveyne, for Ursula. I am blessed to have creative friends who believe in true collaboration to combine their talents with mine to create something truly out of this world!” IG: @veronicascallionphoto
WINNER AIGBOGUN Calgary, AB
NFTs are COOL “ This series addresses the unstable economy/ world of NFTs. It seems glamorous from the outside. It promises to solve capitalism issues within the art industry and almost instant success, but NFTs do not solve any of the problems they claim to solve. It is just selling optimism. The creators of NFTs (in this example, digital artists) often have little influence over how and where their work is marketed. This was an issue long before NFTs entered the scene, and the idea of NFTs selling artists is not as simple as it seems.” IG: @weo.studios
ALEJANDRO SILVA CORTES Toronto, ON
“ The year is 2235, humans have left Earth behind and ventured into the stars settling on desert planet Titan in the Yorinobu system. After the over saturation of material possessions on earth in the late 2090s humans started to acquire a more minimalistic way of life. One that is omnipresent in Titan and can be seen from architecture to fashion.” IG: @alejandro_silva_cortes
Model: Dini Winger - @diniwinger Makeup: Adam Oaknine - @facesbyadam Wardrobe Styling: Caprice Conners - @capricestylist Wardrobe - Bottega Venetta
ANGELI PROFETA Winnipeg, MB
“ The ability to create wonderful images of my own that captures the true nature of my subject has fueled my passion for photography. There are many things that inspire me before clicking the shutter on the subject. From the location to what the subject is wearing, my imagination is endless and inspiration is all around us. I am drawn to people and their energy. Creatively experimenting with my clients is one of my favourites. I want to capture their candid and unapologetic self. Sometimes, people are unaware of their own beauty, of what they are capable of doing and shy away. Through my camera, I want them to be comfortable with expressing themselves. When they see the final photos, my clients will always say, “You make me beautiful.” But I tell them that I only capture what I see and this allows them to see themselves the way others do. By making connections with the subject, I want them to realize how beautiful they are; make them feel more proud of themselves, and boost more of their confidence.” IG: @glnephoto
CALVIN MOON Mississauga, ON
“ These photos were taken for Calvin Moon’s newly released mixtape, “My Angel Debra” which focuses on losing yourself while loving others. The fashion is inspired by old Russian by babushkas as well as symbolism throughout the styling for the “My Angel Debra” model and the print shirt.” Photos taken by Calvin Moon & Meng-Ke Hsieh Styling by Calvin Moon Models: Valeria Unicorn , Zuri Highkey & Calvin Moon. IG: @calvinezy IG: @mengkehsieh
DALE LEUNG Burnaby, BC
“ When I saw the original Blade Runner movie for the first time on the big screen, I marveled at that futuristic look. I found a place close to Chinatown in Vancouver that gave a similar vibe. One day my buddy Yumi came up with this shoot - she’s one of the most fashionable people I know.” IG: @vancouverlightshaper Yumi IG: @yumicomedy
MITCHELL BROWN Grimsby, ON Dark fantasy. IG: @mitchellbrownphotographer
LEAH DEN BOK Toronto, ON DUNE “ Like many people, I wonder what type of fashion people will wear in the future. By looking at trends that have been slowly emerging recently, I have come to the conclusion that in the distant future people will completely break the norms of gender in fashion. I predict that one day, gender will be a foreign social construct. We as humans will dress ourselves without the limitations of “men’s” and “woman’s” clothing lines. This fashion series was done to demonstrate a visual interpretation of what type of fashion “men” may wear in the distant future. This fashion is genderless and shows a more feminine wardrobe look for men than what we are familiar seeing in the year 2021.” TEAM MEMBERS: Model: Johnny Stewart @johnnystewart Models Agency: WANT Management @wantmanagment Makeup Artist: Taylor Chousky @taylorchousky Clothing Stylist: Sasha Everblond @sasha.fashionstylist
Hair Stylist: Connor Lange IG: @leah_denbok
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2. Look One Suite by Chloe Jacobsen Pearl sleeves – stylist design Look Two Dress by Chloe Jacobsen Bolero scarf gloves by Meryll Rogge Earring by U3 Official
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Look Three & Four Red suite by Kelvin Roman Lau Net top -vintage Earring – U3Official Variety of rings – stylist own collection
Look Five Blouse & Pants by Benjamin Wayne Socks -Intimissimi Shoes -Simons Variety of rings – stylist own collection
CONAN STARK Waterloo, ON
“ WE COULD BE was a collection of stories told through theatre, each piece as unique as the next. This series of images was shot for Green Light Arts, over the summer of 2021 in the open air parking lot of the Kitchener Market. These photos capture a community navigating great upheaval and working through the impacts in real time. Photography freezes a moment - theatre places moments before us, often revealing with insight and great emotional acuity the things happening around us that we have barely begun to process. Green Light Arts responded to the question of, ‘what the future holds for theatre,’ with this production. A group tries to save a beached whale‚ a climber wants to end the world‚ a woman swallows a microphone, a preacher struggles under the weight of it all‚ a man hopes to make you laugh‚ a woman celebrates... Tied together by themes of hope and resilience, WE COULD BE is a cluster of playlets created in recognition of where we are - and where we could be.” IG: @starkconan
From the Green Light Arts www.greenlight-arts.com/we-could-be Green Light Arts Creative Team: Performers: AHMAD MEREE EMEKA AGADA LILY GKS SAMANTHA MERCURY
Director MATT WHITE Assistant Director EMILY RADCLIFFE Scenic Designer GILL LESPERANCE Lighting Designer & Production Manager NADIA URSACKI Movement Coach and Producer CARIN LOWERISON Associate Producer ANGELO FELICIANO Stage Manager CHAD DEMBSKI Not pictured: INTISAR AWISSE “we be splendid” LE SMITH “Euphemia”
TENEILE WARREN “Preach, Boy”
AHMAD MEREE “OH CANADA”
CIARÁN MYERS “Whale” & “Climb, Swim, Cry, Fly”
KRISTIN MAN Vancouver, BC
“ Theses images feature wearables that are nature-inspired with a look both “futuristic” and “nostalgic” - that is, if time exists? Is humanity possibly from Venus (the planet of love which allegedly had water)? Is our diaspora limited to cross countries on planet Earth or could it be from another planet? People talk about migrating to Mars, what about revisiting the good old values of empathy, connectedness and reinforcing practices that are ecological AND beautiful? These wearables are ecologically printed, consist of reclaimed plastics and themed on connectedness of our one big ocean woven together from different seas. The yoga pants are made of 100% recycled PET with ocean images. Care for our environment and creativity are key components for the truly stylish is the story behind. What I would hope for the FUTURE is here and now.” IG: @kristin.man PHOTOGRAPHS BY Steven Dragonn IG: @steven_dragonn Roy Hoh IG:@royhoh
Kristin Man is an artist who in these photos also poses for her own wearable art pieces. The images were taken in the ambience of her solo show @canton.sardine which includes handwoven photos and an interactive installation titled “Back to Venus” (awarded a BCArts Council grant) in collaboration with @chimerikcollective last year.
JONATHAN CAMPBELL Kingston, ON
“ I believe in the future, fashion, like it does now, will pull from pieces of old and mix them with modern elements. The outfits will be more androgynous, gender fluid and cover a range of expression, from dystopian chic to scifi elegance. In styling this shoot I wanted to use elements that by themselves, are simple. However, when brought together creates unique outfits that represent what I think is the mindset of the future. And that is, expression and freedom of self above all. ” IG: @Bythesehues & _thejono_
GABRIEL GUTIERREZ Toronto, ON
“ This series was created in collaboration with the models. The intention behind these pieces is to reflect the inner world and spirituality of the subjects being portrayed. My belief is that the future of art and more specifically, photography – is to reconcile our notion of representation as a society – by giving the power back to the person being portrayed.” IG: @arcangel.gabriel11
ELISHA LOZARES Calgary, AB
“ My series of portraits cater towards the confidence that comes with comfort, either in your clothes or in your own skin. I wanted to capture the vibe of being happy just the way you are with my model Yujin Kim. I think future fashion should deviate from “perfection” and radiate more rawness and emotion.” IG: @elishalozares
HYEIN ANNE KWON Calgary, AB
“ I related FASHION X FUTURE to my personal growth to find confidence. I enjoy fashion a lot, and I started having an inner growth by digging into photography, fashion, and arts. I gained confidence by improving myself artistically, and those photos show how I have become experimental in fashion such as using bright colours and using different facial expressions. I become expressional by using bold colours and postures.” IG: @__n.kwon
MICHELLE GOULET Edmonton, AB
A “futuristic” Fibre Arts exaggerated garment. IG: @michmichgoulet, IG: @michmatchedmetals
BRETT BOYD Edmonton, AB
“In the year 3052, Earth and potentially other habited planets ‚have just come out of a war with an extremely intelligent artificial intelligence. During the decades of AI supremacy, humans would be targeted through facial recognition, and body tracking (thermal scanners, heart rate monitors, movement pattern tracking). To trick these antihuman softwares, fashion designers created pieces of clothing that restricted or temporarily altered movement for the rebels to use while concealing their identities. These images show just one design of many possibilities. In this future, it’s very possible that resources would be limited so the repurposing of other garments probably is a necessary, as well as the ability for garments to be utilized in many different ways.” IG: @tminstral, alphabrett.soup
GUN ROZE Toronto, ON
“ I have been photographing Toronto-based professional dancers Bryony and Sully for years. Our photo shoots are creative collaborations. I always trust their clothing decisions, so they are able to dance freely, plus for the visual impact of their performances. They each have a unique sense of style with their fashion choices. Neither one follows fashion trends, therefore I see them each as fashion forward influencers.” gunroze.tumblr.com IG: @gunroze7
CAMERON LAWRENCE Strathroy, ON
“ Fashion meets the dead.” IG: @Lawrenceweddings
TAYLOR ARBEAU Toronto, ON
“ An image of a man with Down Syndrome who dreams to become a model. ” IG: @beausphotos3
NATALIE “RARE” CHATTARGOON Toronto, ON
“ FASHION FROM THE SOUL is a project which highlights Black excellence. We feature melanated models embracing their authentic raw self.” IG: @3rd.eye.visions
KAKU KENYI Toronto/Thunder Bay, ON
“ I was trying to capture a simplistic high vision vibe.” IG: @filmbykaku-Instagram
GEOFF MILLS
Ottawa, ON
“A strange bond that happens so rarely between a photographer and a muse, where unspoken magic happens purely through lens and inspiration.” Model: Melanie Lahaie Villeneuve @littlebambi999 IG: @geoffmills
CHRIS TT THOMBS Edmonton, AB
“ I am a commercial photographer that is working towards being a better Fashion Photographer. Lindsay-Marie Istace was introduced to me and with them we spent the day experimenting. We explored with looks/make up styles with them from the “Thin Duke”, to Pris, to how we envisioned the CyberPunk Future Fashion would be.” IG: @OSBphoto
TAYLOR NEAL Vancouver, BC
“ These photos were taken to showcase the first collection of Ageselao, a sustainable street-wear brand by Toronto based designer Selo Karakatsanis. The inspiration behind the collection was drawn from the designer’s Greek heritage, as well as his passion for sustainable fabrics and bringing comfort and ease into the lives of male-presenting folks who navigate between active lifestyles and the professional world and yearn for garments that are able to travel between these worlds with them. Ageselao believes deeply in locally made, sustainable fashion, as this is the only way that we can see fashion progress into the future. We must uplift our local designers, resources and makers if we are to continue to see a local Canadian fashion industry grow. Fashion of the future is sustainable, accessible and birthed in the love of Canadian lifestyle.” IG: @nzzltea
KATE ROY Gatineau, QC
“ FASHION X FUTURE is about sustainable, ecological and local fashion trends that are created, designed and produced carefully and methodically. As our younger generation voices demand for a better tomorrow, they shape the fashion industry for our future. The idea of fast fashion is so overwhelmingly wrong for our planet in more ways than one can begin to express. It is tied with child labour crisis’, it creates a massive amount of waste that ends up piling up in our oceans and shorelines, it is demanding and anxiety inducing... it shouts ‘The next best thing is the only good thing’ and so, care for your belongings, the life of others and the planet fall to the sidelines. But we don’t want to stand for that anymore, we want change, we want a better world and a better life; for ourselves, for others, and for our planet. This series of portraits was taken during the wildfire crisis’ in BC. As an environmentalist, I wanted to make sure I took a careful approach to the kind of fashion I was going to represent. Victoire Boutique is a representative for Canadian clothing brands, ‘Onder Broeks’, Sama Rakk’, ‘Minnow Bathers’, ‘Samantha Pleet’, and ‘Birds of North America’. The models were selected as individuals from backgrounds who care for the earth and are simply kind in nature. FASHION X FUTURE isn’t a choice, it’s a lifestyle.” Models: Lea Albrecht and Yolande Laroche IG: @k.are.ro.y kateroyphoto.com
SKYE TAO Vancouver, BC
“Photography shares and builds relationships with the audience without any text. Models have their own body language to express a certain mood.” IG: @sceye_ @cmeyestudio
HANNAH TKATCH Calgary, AB
“ My inspiration for this image was This aesthetic is based around the of the Black/African diaspora and technology; it becomes a mix of a with the new. The “old” is represen the headwrap and durag, while th flooding diamond headpiece and glasses. It is meant to be a comme we can uplift and reinvent aspects while heading into the future.”
Afrofutursim. e mingling d future an older culture ntative of he new is the futuristic entary on how s of our culture,
TYLOR KEY-CARR Mississauga, ON
“ I believe that the future of fashion is centred around sustainability. As a photographer it is very important to be mindful of this when sourcing the apparel for the models, otherwise you are constantly supporting the fast fashion industry which is harmful to the environment.” IG: @tylorkc Model: Kaylah Wilson IG: @_ksyd
Canary Wharf Bikes by Jonathan Pearce
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