Teen Vogue

Mar 2026

In this evocative feature for Teen Vogue, photographer Erika Long captures professional figure skater Alysa Liu in a series of images that masterfully balance athletic dynamism with contemporary editorial minimalism. The project, styled by Cece Liu, moves beyond the traditional boundaries of sports portraiture, utilizing natural light to frame Liu through a lens of quiet introspection and youthful movement. The visual narrative leverages high-speed freeze techniques during active jumps—notably on a twin-sized mattress—to contrast with intimate, macro-focused portraits that emphasize intricate styling details. Collaborating with hair stylist Kazu Katahira and makeup artist Michaela Bosch, the shoot incorporates edgy, modern motifs such as dental piercings and metallic facial crystals, rooting the aesthetic firmly in current youth culture. Selena Liu, acting as set designer, provides a textured backdrop ranging from traditional tatami mats to soft, patterned upholstery, creating a domestic atmosphere that grounds the subject. By blending these lifestyle elements with sharp, high-fashion sensibilities, the editorial portraits effectively capture Liu’s personality, oscillating between the structured discipline of her skating career and a raw, experimental sense of style. The resulting imagery reads as a sophisticated exploration of identity, expertly utilizing directional lighting to maintain a clean, polished look while preserving the vibrant, windswept spontaneity that defines this compelling digital and print media profile.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment