DEFINED Magazine
Munroe Bergdorf
Apr 2026
DEFINED Magazine captures the formidable presence of activist and model Munroe Bergdorf in a series of striking editorial portraits that masterfully balance high-fashion artifice with intimate character study. Through the lens of photographer Rachell Smith, the shoot transcends traditional media and entertainment photography, leaning into a cinematic aesthetic that feels both elevated and deeply grounded. The interplay of chiaroscuro lighting and high-contrast monochrome frames Bergdorf against minimalist, architectural backdrops, allowing her command of the camera to remain the central narrative force. The project is punctuated by the meticulous work of set designer Paulina Piipponen, whose curation of shadow and light—alongside the textural richness of voluminous feathers, sheer lace, and sculptural headwear—creates a sophisticated, editorial minimalism. Hair stylist Marcia Lee enhances the visual dynamism, alternating between natural, flowing locks and a deliberate wet-look styling that adds a tactile, contemporary edge to the portraits. Whether utilizing the soft diffusion of natural light or the sharp precision of studio strobes, the collection reads as a polished exploration of identity and style. Each frame avoids unnecessary clutter, favoring instead a focus on form and confidence that cements this portrait series as a definitive moment in contemporary editorial photography, where every choice serves to amplify the subject's storied, powerful silhouette.
Editorial, Vertical
Natural light
Magazines, Magazines, Magazines, Media & Entertainment, Media & Entertainment, Media & Entertainment
