The La Reine project for 72 Magazine serves as a masterclass in modern editorial photography, framing global icon Rihanna through a lens of avant-garde high fashion. Across a series of strikingly composed images, the project pushes the boundaries of traditional portraiture, balancing structural severity with tactile, organic detailing. Photographed by Szilveszter Mako, the series utilizes both precise studio strobe setups and nuanced natural light to explore the interplay between the subject and her environment. With art direction by Stefan Abrahams and fashion direction by Dena Giannini, the visuals lean into a cinematic aesthetic, favoring moody, low-key chiaroscuro lighting that elevates the intricate textures of the garments—from layered fringe and metallic embellishments to sculptural feather pieces. Stylist Edward Enninful curates a high-fashion narrative that feels both theatrical and deeply grounded, supported by Yusef Williams’ architectural hair styling and Ammy Drammeh’s sharp makeup applications. The setting, often anchored by minimalist, textured backdrops and thematic set design by Felix Gesnouin, allows the clothing’s graphic silhouettes to take center stage. This editorial portrait collection achieves a rare equilibrium, blending the polished, static nature of a studio session with a dynamic, avant-garde sensibility that defines the current luxury fashion landscape, resulting in a timeless study of texture, color, and poise.
