Esquire UK

May 2026

For the May/June 2026 issue of Esquire UK, the magazine delivers a striking masterclass in editorial portraiture that leans into a bold, minimalist aesthetic. Featuring the influential musician Skepta, the cover image captures a moment of poised intensity, with the artist looking directly into the lens while seated in a modern grey office chair against a stark, solid light pink studio backdrop. Photographer Jessica Madavo expertly utilizes studio strobe lighting to ensure bright, even illumination that highlights the intricate details of a red monogrammed jacket, meticulously tailored by Nafisa Tosh. Under the editorial guidance of Editor-in-Chief Teo van den Broeke and styled by Fashion Editor Feranmi Eso, the composition eschews cluttered artifice in favor of clean lines and graphic impact. Movement Director Joe Grey Adams plays a subtle yet pivotal role in the subject's composed posture, anchoring the frame amidst the iconic Esquire masthead and crisp typography. This project represents a definitive evolution in the magazine's visual language, blending contemporary fashion sensibilities with a refined, high-impact portrait approach. By prioritizing a vibrant color palette and focused, tight framing, the team has produced an arresting image that feels both immediate and timeless. It is an exercise in intentionality, where every element—from the choice of metallic watch to the placement of the oversized text—serves the overarching objective of presenting an iconic figure with supreme clarity and modern, editorial polish.

Editorial, Portrait

Studio strobe

Magazines, Media & Entertainment