Mayowa Nicholas wearing oversized black sunglasses, a black leather jacket, and pearl earrings against a blue backdrop.

Kristin Drab wearing dark sunglasses, jeweled drop earrings, and a mauve leather jacket against a deep blue background.

Model Mayowa Nicholas wears an electric blue wig, oversized tinted visor sunglasses, and a brown jacket against a studio backdrop.

Model Kristin Drab wearing oversized rhinestone sunglasses, a yellow polo shirt, and a white jacket against a grey background.

Model wearing dark oval sunglasses, a white cutout bodysuit, and gold chain necklace against a cool-toned studio backdrop.

Kristin Drab wearing oversized black shield sunglasses, a crystal earring, and a teal bow collar against a blue background.

Model Mayowa Nicholas wearing black shield sunglasses and a denim jacket with spiky hair against a blue-gray studio backdrop.

Kristin Drab wearing amber sunglasses, bold red lipstick, and a tan trench coat against a dark grey backdrop.

V Magazine She's So Shady! 2026

About

V Magazine redefines the boundaries of high-fashion portraiture with She's So Shady!, an editorial campaign that leans into the interplay between anonymity and extreme stylistic expression. By centering the collection around an array of oversized and futuristic eyewear, the project transforms the humble sunglasses into the defining architectural element of the frame. Photographer Diego Bendezu captures these portraits with a clinical precision, utilizing sharp studio strobe setups and occasional natural light to highlight the intricate textures of leather, distressed denim, and metallic accents against moody, monochromatic backdrops. Fashion Editor and Stylist Tyler Esosa Okuns orchestrates a visual narrative that oscillates between minimalist luxury and vibrant, subcultural rebellion, pairing structural garments with bold, experimental beauty looks. The editorial vision is brought to life through the precise grooming of hair stylist Sergio Estrada and the high-impact makeup artistry of Kuma, whose use of saturated lip colors creates a striking contrast against the cool-toned color palettes. Each image serves as a study in poise and modern elegance, capturing a diverse roster of talent, including Kristin Drab and Mayowa Nicholas, in a series of close-up compositions. Through masterful lighting and deliberate composition, the project effectively navigates the intersection of classic portraiture and contemporary fashion advertising, resulting in a cohesive, high-fashion narrative that feels both timeless and aggressively forward-thinking in its execution.