Numero Netherlands

Jun 2026

In this commanding editorial portrait series for Numero Netherlands, professional athlete Russell Westbrook bridges the gap between high-performance sports and elevated fashion design. Photographer Fernando Sippel expertly captures Westbrook through a diverse visual lens, alternating between raw, minimalist studio portraits and moody, cinematic compositions. The project leans heavily into editorial storytelling, utilizing a mix of sharp studio strobe lighting and softer, natural light to draw out the intricate textures of oversized leather, pleated rust-orange tailoring, and intricate floral-embroidered fabrics. By pairing high-contrast, low-key chiaroscuro techniques with clean, stark backgrounds, the work emphasizes both the structural form of the garments and the subject’s iconic, athletic silhouette. Sippel’s direction avoids the predictable tropes of athlete-as-model, instead channeling a nuanced, high-fashion narrative that feels both authentic and avant-garde. The aesthetic is anchored by intentional styling choices—from wide-brimmed hats to heavy utility boots—that create a rhythmic visual language throughout the spread. With Editor-in-Chief Timotej Letonja at the helm, the project manifests as a masterclass in portrait photography, proving that Westbrook’s off-court presence is just as compelling as his legendary on-court intensity. The result is a sophisticated exploration of identity and style that feels right at home in the pages of a high-end publication, successfully blending commercial sensibilities with artistic, long-form editorial rigor.

Editorial, Vertical

Studio strobe