Monochrome portrait of a man wearing a double-breasted patterned suit jacket, white shirt, and patterned tie against a plain backdrop.

Monochrome portrait of a man wearing a black leather coat against a grey studio backdrop with prominent shadows.

Black and white editorial image of two male models posing, one holding a knife behind the other in a studio setting.

Black and white editorial image of two male models in dark suits standing against a light seamless studio backdrop.

Close-up portrait of a man holding a knife, wearing a plaid blazer, shot in monochrome for HERO Magazine.

Model in dark fedora hat and black coat holding a handgun with a sharp dramatic shadow on the wall for HERO Magazine.

Close-up black and white portrait of a man wearing striped shirt and wire-rimmed glasses against a light background

Man wearing a textured black leather trench coat holding up a magnifying glass in front of his eye for HERO Magazine.

Man wearing glasses and trench coat carrying a briefcase and newspapers in a black and white editorial photograph.

Monochrome portrait of a man wearing sunglasses holding a lit cigar in front of a plain background.

Monochrome portrait of a male model holding a camera in front of a wall with a dramatic silhouette shadow

HERO Magazine I; SPY 2026

About

I; SPY is a fashion editorial series for HERO Magazine that channels the tropes of classic noir cinema. The project leans into a highly stylized, monochrome aesthetic, utilizing low-key / chiaroscuro lighting to cast dramatic, sharp shadows against minimalist studio backgrounds. The series features models Aleksandr Buinitski and Philippe Proust, whose performances are framed through the lens of theatrical espionage. The styling focuses on crisp, sculptural tailoring—ranging from leather trench coats and fedoras to double-breasted suits—that evokes a distinct, retro atmosphere. Captured with a cinematic, analogue / film sensibility, the portraiture emphasizes texture and contrast to build a narrative of mystery. Casting direction for the project was provided by Alan Brethaud.