British GQ
British GQ's cinematic editorial portraits, culture features and high-profile cover stories
Featured British GQ projects
This week's top British GQ projects, carefully handpicked by Visie's expert curators, showcase the best in style and innovation.
Project British GQ · The Earthly Pleasures of Theo James
In The Earthly Pleasures of Theo James for British GQ, photographer Ben Parks masterfully captures the intersection of rugged utility and high-end menswear. This cinematic editorial campaign features actor Theo James, whose presence is anchored by fashion director Sam Ranger in a series of compositions that lean into the pastoral and the industrial. By grounding the subject in diverse, textural environments—ranging from unmanicured meadows and lily-covered ponds to weathered workshop interiors and vintage transport vehicles—the project crafts an aesthetic that feels both candid and meticulously curated. The imagery utilizes natural light to heighten the tactile contrast between refined garments, such as heavy ribbed knit sweaters and structured trench coats, against organic elements like rustic hay and coarse tree bark. Through these carefully considered frames, the editorial showcases a versatility in style, moving seamlessly from moments of exuberant playfulness to quiet, stoic introspection. Enhanced by the subtle, precise makeup artistry of Nadia Altinbas, each portrait maintains a cohesive, earthy color palette that highlights the interplay of soft shadows and golden hour glows. The series employs a live-action technique that imparts a dynamic, kinetic quality to the stills, ensuring that every image reads as a deliberate narrative beat rather than a static pose, successfully bridging the gap between polished media storytelling and a grounded, outdoor-inspired lifestyle aesthetic.
Project British GQ · How Milly Alcock Made Supergirl Human
In this compelling feature for British GQ, actor Milly Alcock is captured in a series of striking visuals that masterfully bridge the gap between high-fashion editorial and cinematic storytelling. Through the lens of photographer Conor Cunningham, the project eschews the typical press-junket aesthetic, instead leaning into a curated, high-contrast studio environment that emphasizes Alcock’s range and presence. The editorial portrait session utilizes a mix of crisp studio strobe setups and intentional natural light, creating a tactile interplay between the subject and her surroundings. Fashion Editor Ronnie Hart anchors the visual narrative by juxtaposing sharp, structured leather and military-inspired embroidery against vibrant primary colors, while the intentional use of textured backdrops provides a rich, grounded contrast to the clean lines of the clothing. Hair stylist Lauren Palmer-Smith and makeup artist Zaheer Sukhnandan lean into a modern, dynamic look, incorporating live-action techniques like wind-swept textures and static-charged hair to inject an unexpected, surrealist energy into the classic magazine format. Supported by set designer Stefania Lucchesi, who maximizes the potential of simple cycloramas and deep-toned sweeps, the imagery channels a raw, human sensibility that feels both polished and delightfully spontaneous. This work stands as a testament to the power of collaborative visual direction in media and entertainment, transforming a standard promotional feature into a nuanced study of character, fashion, and portraiture.
Project British GQ · The Power Play Of Rosamund Pike
In The Power Play Of Rosamund Pike, British GQ leans into the sharp, transformative power of menswear-inspired tailoring to anchor a compelling editorial feature. Photographer Grace Difford captures Rosamund Pike in a series of striking portraits that pivot between vintage 1940s-era aesthetic tropes and modern cinematic minimalism. The project, meticulously styled by Rose Forde, reimagines classic power dressing through a contemporary lens, utilizing studio strobe lighting to emphasize the architectural lines of oversized pinstripe suits, crisp button-down shirts, and bold patterned neckties. By juxtaposing soft, retro-inspired hair waves with assertive, high-key studio backdrops, the visuals create a deliberate tension between classic femininity and structured, masculine-coded silhouettes. The collection of portraits utilizes high-key lighting and clean, tonal backgrounds to ensure the focus remains entirely on the texture of the garments and Pike’s composed, direct gaze. Whether seated on a simple wooden stool or caught in a dynamic, mid-motion pose, each frame contributes to a narrative of authority and precision. This media and entertainment editorial successfully blends commercial appeal with artistic rigor, demonstrating how focused photography and careful wardrobe curation can redefine a subject’s public persona through visual storytelling. The final execution stands as a masterclass in controlled editorial portraiture, highlighting the interplay between garment structure, shadow, and the commanding presence of its lead subject.
Project British GQ · What A Mess!
British GQ project What A Mess! masterfully subverts the tropes of luxury advertising by framing high-end fashion as a series of playful, chaotic, and surreal domestic still lifes. Under the creative direction of photographer Guillaume Blondiau and fashion editor and stylist Manuela Hainz, the series leans into an editorial aesthetic that celebrates the friction between mundane everyday clutter and aspirational design. By nesting luxury accessories like leather handbags, designer shoes, and patterned weekenders within unexpected environments—ranging from stacks of white bread and canned goods to toy-filled trunks and vintage barber chairs—the project highlights the tactile textures of its subjects. Utilizing techniques such as studio strobe lighting to carve out sharp, high-contrast silhouettes alongside more naturalistic, cinematically lit arrangements, the photography captures a sense of curated disorder. This approach channels a sophisticated yet irreverent energy, transforming commercial goods into fine art compositions. Whether through a surreal juxtaposition of scale or a minimalist library-themed display, the imagery succeeds by positioning the product as a focal point amidst a sea of intentional, visually stimulating chaos. This project serves as a compelling exploration of object relationships, proving that even the most structured fashion items can find a harmonious, albeit mischievous, home within the messy, lived-in reality of the modern world.
Project British GQ · Paul Mescal wants to disappear
For British GQ, photographer Elizaveta Porodina captures actor Paul Mescal in a series of surreal, high-concept portraits for the feature 'Paul Mescal wants to disappear.' The editorial project leans into theatrical, low-key chiaroscuro lighting, contrasting deep, ink-black studio backgrounds with sharp, directional highlights to carve out intense silhouettes. The imagery employs experimental long-exposure techniques and motion blur to introduce an ethereal quality, layering subjects with fluid drapes, feathered wings, and delicate smoke trails. Fashion editor and stylist Hannes Hetta curates an ornate, period-inflected wardrobe featuring tailored suiting, sheer knits, and intricate botanical accessories that ground the artistic compositions in classical visual references.
Project British GQ · How Will Poulter and Nicholas Daley went from Glasto to the Fashion Awards 2025
British GQ documents the creative partnership between actor Will Poulter and designer Nicholas Daley in this fashion feature. The editorial portrait series follows their journey to the Fashion Awards 2025, emphasizing the intricate construction of Daley’s tailoring through sharp, direct flash lighting and intimate close-ups. Throughout the series, Poulter is captured in structured black jackets and western-inspired shirting. The imagery moves between neutral studio settings and textured, warm terracotta backdrops, utilizing vertical compositions to highlight the material details of the garments. The project leans into clean, high-contrast aesthetics with a focus on sartorial precision.
Project British GQ · What's So Great About Britain?
British GQ presents 'What's So Great About Britain?', an extensive editorial portrait series that captures a cross-section of cultural figures against hyper-stylised, theatrical interpretations of the British landscape. The project leans into surrealism and vibrant set design to deconstruct national iconography, featuring recognizable elements like traditional red telephone boxes and street storefronts reimagined through a lens of high-fashion artifice. Photographed by Charlotte Rutherford with fashion editing by Rose Forde, the feature utilizes diverse techniques ranging from warm natural light to gritty, analogue film textures. The production features a wide ensemble of talent, including actors Emma Thompson, Andrew Garfield, Brian Cox, Joe Locke, Jason Isaacs, Will Poulter, and Ambika Mod, alongside athlete Anthony Joshua and entertainer Jade Thirlwall. The evocative environments are defined by the set design of Rory Mullen, which transitions between realistic urban streetscapes and surreal studio compositions.
Project British GQ · How Taz Skylar stays in One Piece
British GQ profiles actor Taz Skylar in this editorial photography feature, highlighting his transformation through a series of high-energy grooming and fashion-focused portraits. Photographed by Jackson Bowley, the project channels a playful and kinetic aesthetic, utilizing high-speed flash and hard light techniques to capture dynamic movement, wet textures, and precise details like intricate hair patterns and manicured nail art. The editorial, titled 'How Taz Skylar stays in One Piece,' moves beyond standard portraiture by leaning into raw facial textures and studio-driven set design by Josh Stovell. The images incorporate fashion styling by Itunu Oke and manicuring by Sabrina Gayle, resulting in a clean, polished visual narrative that complements the publication's focus on contemporary grooming and celebrity culture.
Project British GQ · Cymru Am Byth!
British GQ presents Cymru Am Byth!, a fashion editorial set against the rugged coastal landscapes of Wales. Photographer Brendan Freeman and stylist Angelo Mitakos frame the shoot within a series of dynamic, earthy environments, moving from rocky tidal shorelines to quiet bays. The narrative leans into outdoor-inspired menswear, featuring structured utility wear, heavy knits, and practical outerwear that contrast with the natural surroundings. Through a series of candid moments, the project blends active, high-fashion styling with a raw, location-based aesthetic. Featuring models Finley Prentice and Jude Furnivall, the editorial utilizes natural light to emphasize the textures of the clothing and the terrain. The series maintains a consistent visual identity through a subdued colour palette and atmospheric, outdoor staging.
Project British GQ · ROOM 411: Jodie Comer by Scandebergs
British GQ presents ROOM 411, a multi-faceted editorial feature starring actor Jodie Comer. Photographed by Scandebergs, the series leans into a cinematic, narrative-driven aesthetic that blends retro-inspired interiors with sharp, contemporary fashion. The imagery utilizes a rich interplay of light and texture, ranging from the warm, clean tones of natural light to moody, chiaroscuro-inspired chiaroscuro compositions. Through artfully arranged sets designed by Thomas Bird, the production establishes an intimate, theatrical atmosphere that plays with architectural framing and nostalgic domestic motifs. Styling by Gerry O'Kane anchors the visual direction, complemented by hair from Ali Pirzadeh and makeup by Miranda Joyce, further supported by the work of manicurist Michelle Humphrey and choreographer Benjamin Jonsson.
Project British GQ · MALALA
British GQ features Malala Yousafzai in this editorial portrait series captured by photographer Elizaveta Porodina. The collection leverages experimental techniques, including long exposure and multiple exposure, to build a dreamlike, celestial aesthetic. The visual narrative relies on low-key, chiaroscuro lighting and high-contrast compositions that emphasize texture and form. Fashion styling by Dena Giannini introduces rich color and structural garments, including ornate headpieces and sculptural dress silhouettes. Set design by Miguel Bento incorporates organic elements and abstract light trails that interact with the subject, while hair styling by Anna Cofone and makeup by Laura Dominique complete the ethereal, moody quality of the portraits.
Project British GQ · GQ Heroes
British GQ presents a series of editorial portraits featuring Chris Hemsworth for the GQ Heroes project. Creative direction by Justin Woo informs a collection that channels an intimate, cinematic aesthetic, utilising natural light to capture the subject against lush landscapes and overcast skies. Photographer Georges Antoni employs varied framing techniques, ranging from macro detail shots to outdoor portraiture, to emphasize rich textures and tonal contrast. Fashion styling by Sarah Starkey integrates a clean, layered wardrobe, balancing classic knitwear and outerwear with casual elements. The project spans both warm, saturated colour palettes and high-contrast monochrome, relying on the interplay of directional lighting and natural surroundings to define the mood of the series.
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