Manifesto Magazine

Jan 2026

In the latest editorial spread for Manifesto Magazine, titled Man In The Woods, photographer Brent Chua and fashion director Jonathan Yee craft a sophisticated visual narrative that masterfully balances high-fashion rigor with organic, woodland serenity. The project operates as an exercise in textural juxtaposition, placing model Ellis Mueller in an array of meticulously layered ensembles that range from distressed, studded leather jackets to avant-garde goose-patterned tailoring. With styling by Jungle Lin, the editorial explores the intersection of urban silhouettes and raw, natural settings. The imagery relies heavily on soft, natural light to unify the disparate environments, moving seamlessly from the oxidized, industrial grit of rusted metal backdrops to the soft-focus, leafy depth of forest clearings. Through a lens that leans into editorial minimalism and classic composition, the team emphasizes the tactile quality of the garments, allowing the voluminous cloaks and structured wool coats to command attention against the unrefined bark and foliage. Techniques such as medium format photography and black-and-white processing lend the series a timeless, analogue quality, reinforcing the clean, precise aesthetic synonymous with Manifesto. This collection of portraiture serves as a masterclass in modern styling, demonstrating how intentional, symmetric composition can elevate lifestyle photography into a cohesive and evocative statement that resonates with both industrial edges and the quietude of the great outdoors.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light