Black and white portrait of a woman looking upward while lifting a chevron patterned duffle bag above her head against a seamless backdrop.

Monochrome portrait of Waris Ahluwalia wearing a dark turban and jacket against a plain background

Close-up portrait of a woman holding a dark leather bag with grommets partly covering her face against a plain background

Black and white portrait of a dark-haired woman in a white tank top holding a large black tote bag against a plain background.

Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz kneeling in a voluminous structured light gown against a seamless white studio backdrop.

Black and white portrait of a woman in a herringbone jacket resting her chin on her hand while holding a structured leather bag.

Black and white close-up portrait of a woman resting her hands against her cheeks with rings on her fingers.

Black and white studio portrait of a man in a plaid button-down shirt and dark pants against a seamless grey backdrop.

Black and white portrait of a woman with short hair holding a structured clutch bag over the lower half of her face.

A woman with blonde layered hair wearing a denim shirt and jeans poses with hands in her pockets in black and white.

Black and white portrait of Blue Lindeberg sitting on a wooden stool hugging her knee in denim jeans and a tank top.

Special Projects NEW YORK Portraits 2026

About

In the striking series NEW YORK Portraits, Special Projects presents an exploration of identity and form that leans into the stark power of monochrome photography. Captured with an editorial eye, this collection of portraiture serves as both a fashion showcase and a masterclass in minimalist composition. The imagery relies on the interplay between the human subject and tangible textures—from structured leather goods to herringbone wool—all rendered through the lens of photographer Paola Kudacki. By utilizing both natural light and precise studio strobe setups, the series achieves a timeless, sculptural quality that prioritizes raw character over artifice. The aesthetic ranges from the high-contrast drama of chiaroscuro to the soft, even illumination of classic studio portraiture, creating a cohesive visual language that feels grounded yet enigmatic. Whether featuring talent like Blue Lindeberg or Waris Ahluwalia, the project maintains a focused, contemplative mood, bolstered by the meticulous hair and makeup styling of Kento Utsubo. Every frame functions as an intimate study, where a subtle gaze or the deliberate placement of a hand against fabric becomes a narrative point. The use of analogue film techniques in select shots adds an authentic grit, ensuring that this commercial endeavor retains an elevated, artistic soul that stands apart from the typical churn of contemporary fashion campaigns.