HERO Magazine

Mar 2026

For the Liberté! project, HERO Magazine explores the intersection of sartorial rigor and expressive movement through a compelling series of black-and-white editorial portraits. Captured by photographer Sungmin Kim, the series leans into a cinematic aesthetic that prioritizes high-contrast lighting to accentuate the tactile qualities of luxury textiles, from intricate knitwear to structured tailoring. Fashion editor and stylist Kevin Lanoy crafts a visual narrative that feels both timeless and grounded, utilizing a diverse cast—including models Achille Genet, Alexander Acquah, Baptiste Vivo, and Eden Manscour—to inhabit a series of quiet, urban, and natural settings. The imagery channels a sense of deliberate poise, with portraits oscillating between introspective stillness and dynamic motion, often employing natural light to carve out the subjects' features against stone-hewn backdrops. Through the deliberate use of analogue and film-inspired techniques, the project feels tactile and grounded, eschewing digital perfection for a gritty, graphic finish that highlights both the texture of the garments and the raw, unadorned environment. Makeup artist Emilie Mattei complements these compositions, ensuring the focus remains squarely on the interplay of light, shadow, and architectural line. Ultimately, Liberté! serves as a masterclass in editorial minimalism, demonstrating how monochromatic photography can elevate fashion into a profound study of posture, silhouette, and artistic expression within the broader luxury fashion landscape.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion