Financial Times - HTSI Magazine

Mar 2026

For Cut Loose, an editorial feature in Financial Times HTSI magazine, photographer Laurence Ellis orchestrates a masterclass in modern portraiture that balances sartorial elegance with an evocative, minimalist sensibility. Moving beyond standard fashion documentation, the series explores the intersection of high-end tailoring and fluid, everyday ease. Ellis captures a diverse cast of subjects through a lens of quiet contemplation, utilizing everything from bright high-key lighting to dramatic chiaroscuro to emphasize the rich tactile qualities of wool, leather, and linen. Under the sharp, deliberate eye of fashion editor and stylist Julian Ganio, the project leans into monochromatic palettes and oversized silhouettes, creating a visual rhythm that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary. The aesthetic is anchored by clean, architectural settings and industrial textures, which serve as a stark stage for the intricate styling curated by Ganio. With contributions from hair stylist Naoki Komiya, the series employs techniques like analogue film and soft natural light to refine the interplay of shadow and texture across each frame. Whether captured in a dynamic dance or a static, introspective pose, the subjects embody a sense of relaxed sophistication. This project stands as a sophisticated exploration of identity and style, proving that the most resonant images often rely on a seamless harmony between the subject, the cloth, and the masterful use of light.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment