Esquire China

Jun 2026

In A letter left in the tropics, Esquire China crafts a sophisticated narrative that bridges the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary fashion editorial. This immersive project leans into the quiet, reflective intimacy of a Southeast Asian urban landscape, utilizing the city's cluttered antique shops and weathered metal architecture as a backdrop for a series of highly curated portraits. Through the lens of photographer Jialing Hu, the series employs cinematic framing and natural light to elevate simple lifestyle moments into a study of texture and color. Fashion editor and stylist Wei Mao orchestrates a bold visual palette, blending vibrant knitwear, floral prints, and leather outerwear that contrast sharply against the ornate blue-and-white ceramics and foliage-filled interiors. The deliberate use of 35mm film grain and analogue techniques imbues the work with a nostalgic, dreamlike quality, while Xiang Zi’s grooming approach maintains a raw, approachable authenticity for lead talent Yan Li. By placing the subject in settings that oscillate between the structured geometry of slatted doors and the organic, fluid calm of a lotus pond, the imagery successfully channels an evocative, contemplative mood. This feature serves as a masterful exercise in editorial minimalism, where the interplay of light and shadow reinforces a cohesive, transportive narrative that feels both deeply personal and globally resonant within the modern media and entertainment landscape.

Editorial, Vertical, Lifestyle

Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment