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·When Memory Meets the Moment

Woman posing indoors holding a large ornate golden picture frame in front of her body for an Essence Magazine editorial feature

Two women in designer fashion pose on a wooden staircase with a large empty picture frame for Essence Magazine.

A young Black man with an afro poses in a black and red striped sweater with a gold hem against wood-paneled yellow walls.

Model standing on a city street between parked cars wearing a brown leather coat and dark shoes

Group of Black models and musicians styled in retro attire gathered around a grand piano in a warm yellow parlor with a red carpet.

Two models in elegant black dresses seated together before an ornate wooden fireplace mantel on a vintage red oriental rug.

Black woman seated in a window frame wearing a blue patterned sweater and olive trousers for Essence Magazine.

An elderly Black man with a white beard wearing a taupe suit and beret standing in the corner of a room with yellow walls.

A Black man sits on a wooden floor in a brown tweed jacket and patterned denim jeans, leaning against wood wall paneling.

A mature Black man and woman in tailored plaid suits pose beside a dark vintage sedan on a tree-lined residential street.

Three Black women in retro-styled garments posing inside a vintage blue and white tiled bathroom for Essence Magazine.

Two men standing in a wood-paneled room with ornate windows, wearing structured black and grey suits for Essence Magazine.

Four Black models styled in high fashion pose around a vintage black sedan on a brownstone street for Essence.

Essence Magazine When Memory Meets the Moment 2025

About

Essence Magazine presents 'When Memory Meets the Moment,' a fashion editorial that leans into a nostalgic, cinematic aesthetic. Captured by photographer Quil Lemons, the project brings together a cast of models and musicians within rich, warm-toned interior spaces and urban brownstone settings. Fashion editor and stylist Mel'Renee Leamon curates a collection of textured ensembles, ranging from tailored plaid suiting and patterned knits to structured leather pieces. The visual narrative is enhanced by hair styling from Akihisa Yamaguchi and makeup by Mimi Quiquine, evoking a refined, retro mood that balances architectural precision with soft natural light.