SHADOWPLAY Magazine

Mar 2026

In the striking series Architect of Glam for SHADOWPLAY Magazine, photographer Myrthe Giesbers and fashion editor Stefaniya Chekalina craft a visual homage to the iconic entertainer Amanda Lepore. The project functions as a high-concept fashion editorial that interrogates the relationship between the human form, synthetic artifice, and architectural geometry. Through a series of meticulously composed portraits, the team leans into themes of duality and surrealism, often positioning Lepore behind mannequins, mirrors, or geometric cutouts to create layers of visual intrigue. The aesthetic oscillates between high-key minimalism and dramatic chiaroscuro, utilizing a blend of sharp studio strobe lighting and soft natural light to emphasize the textures of intricate couture, lace, and layered pearl jewelry. Giesbers captures Lepore’s signature platinum bouffant and bold aesthetic with clinical precision, transforming the subject into a living sculpture. With production by Olga Ush, the images utilize negative space and graphic compositions to elevate the fashion narrative beyond mere documentation. The editorial mastery on display is grounded in a polished, conceptual approach that highlights the craftsmanship of the apparel while inviting the viewer to contemplate the art of performance itself. This work serves as a sophisticated testament to the power of editorial portraiture, where the interplay of light, shadow, and stark composition creates a lasting impression of classic glamour reimagined for a modern, stylistic framework.

Editorial, Vertical, Editorial, Vertical

Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion