V Magazine

Mar 2026

In a striking departure from standard celebrity portraiture, the latest feature for V Magazine, titled V Girls: Meg Donnelly’s Show Goes On, captures an intimate and raw side of the performer. This editorial photography project eschews high-gloss perfection in favor of a moody, grounded aesthetic that feels both elevated and accessible. Through the lens of photographer Darío Castillo, the session utilizes natural light to soften the frame while maintaining a cinematic quality that leans into the nuances of its subject. Meg Donnelly is presented with a bold, contemporary edge, defined by dark red lipstick and a sharp leather cropped top curated by fashion editor and stylist Tabitha Sanchez. The imagery is marked by a tactile richness, elevated by the deliberate use of analogue film grain and 35mm film textures, which grant the portrait a timeless, tangible weight. Andrew Chen and Marco Campos round out the visual identity of the shoot, ensuring the aesthetic is polished yet distinctly authentic. By balancing soft lighting against an indistinct, dark backdrop, the campaign successfully strips away the typical noise of the media and entertainment industry to focus purely on the strength of the portrait. It is a masterclass in editorial minimalism that proves how intentional styling and technical precision can transform a simple frame into a powerful, lasting statement of modern style.

Editorial, Vertical, Cinematic

Analogue / film, 35mm film, Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment