Grazia International: The Ascending Dragon

Jun 2025

Grazia International explores traditional craftsmanship and heritage in The Ascending Dragon, a fashion editorial set against the rugged, karst-filled landscapes of Vietnam. Through a lens that prioritizes organic textures and architectural scale, the project integrates local artisanal elements—including woven bamboo traps and traditional fishing vessels—with contemporary high-fashion silhouettes. Photographer Avani Rai and creative director Dane Stojanovic utilize natural light to ground the editorial in an observational, intimate tone. The visual narrative moves between expansive, moody outdoor environments and tight, textural portraits, blending an earthy color palette with monochrome grading. Hair styling by Jean-Luc Amarin complements the structural and organic aesthetic, drawing on filmic techniques to emphasize the raw, tactile connection between the subject and the setting.