Esquire Kazakhstan

Jun 2026

For this editorial feature in Esquire Kazakhstan, titled (Не)искусственный интеллект, the creative team has curated a visual narrative that bridges the gap between classical antiquity and contemporary menswear. Through a series of sophisticated portraits, photographer Stella Bonasoni explores the tension between historical art and modern identity. By positioning model Stefano Tomadini within architectural spaces that feel both ancient and lived-in, the project creates a dialogue between the permanence of stone sculpture and the ephemeral nature of fashion. Fashion editor and stylist Fabio Mercurio grounds the imagery in a palette of earthy tones and crisp, tailored silhouettes, ensuring the wardrobe complements the rich, historical textures of the surroundings. The series leans heavily into cinematic, low-key lighting and chiaroscuro techniques, which heighten the atmospheric drama of every shot. From the library’s academic stillness to the grand scale of cathedral-inspired halls, the composition maintains a sharp focus on material detail, emphasizing the grain of wood, the folds of cotton, and the smooth surface of marble. Makeup artist Barbara Bonazza contributes to the refined, natural look that allows the subject to inhabit these grand historical backdrops without feeling secondary to the environment. This project stands as a masterful exercise in editorial minimalism, proving that high-end fashion photography can thrive when it embraces a deliberate, contemplative pace, effectively merging heritage aesthetics with the sleek precision of modern style.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment