Paper Magazine

Jul 2026

SARAB, a compelling editorial project featured in Paper Magazine, masterfully bridges the gap between traditional modest dress and the avant-garde sensibilities of contemporary luxury fashion. Photographed by Gustavo Chams, the series functions as a visual exploration of cultural identity, expertly weaving together contrasting elements of heritage and modern design. By juxtaposing iconic garments like the niqab and hijab with unconventional styling choices—such as neon eyelash extensions, rhinestone-encrusted masks, and western-inspired accessories—the project creates a surreal, high-fashion narrative that defies standard sartorial categorization. The execution relies on a diverse range of technical approaches, shifting fluidly from the intimate, highly controlled environment of studio strobe portraiture to expansive, cinematic desert landscapes captured with natural light. This duality emphasizes the tactile nature of the intricate textiles, from metallic mesh and dense pleating to ornate gold embroidery, while simultaneously inviting the viewer into a space of theatrical introspection. With a distinct editorial minimalism present in the close-up portraits and a dreamlike quality achieved through techniques such as double exposure, SARAB cements itself as a striking meditation on modern identity. Through this lens, Chams highlights a powerful dialogue between heritage and rebellion, resulting in a cohesive, visually arresting spread that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and provocatively experimental.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion