DEFINED Magazine

May 2026

For the May 2026 cover of DEFINED Magazine, the editorial team orchestrated a striking portrait session that firmly positions actress Emma Laird as the new face of cinema. Captured through the lens of photographer Rachell Smith, the cover leans into the aesthetics of high-end editorial portraiture, utilizing studio strobe lighting to carve out sharp, cinematic contours. The composition plays with texture and contrast, featuring Laird in a decorative sequined top that catches the light against a bold, monochrome backdrop of a large-scale print. Stylist Annie Hertikova curated a look that is both sophisticated and visually arresting, seamlessly integrated with the dramatic chiaroscuro technique that anchors the image. The interplay between the dark stockings and the shimmer of the sequins provides a rhythmic balance to the frame, while the tight framing highlights the subtle strength in Laird’s posture. With meticulous grooming from hair stylist Davide Barbieri and makeup artist Alex Babsky, the final image reads as a masterclass in modern magazine design. By stripping away visual clutter, the team creates a powerful narrative of ambition and poise, ensuring that the cover stands out within the broader media and entertainment landscape through its sophisticated use of light, shadow, and deliberate, minimalist art direction.

Editorial, Vertical, Cinematic

Studio strobe, Low-key / chiaroscuro

Magazines, Media & Entertainment