Variety Magazine

Aug 2026

For Variety Magazine’s Power of Young Hollywood feature, the editorial team orchestrated a striking visual portrait series capturing singer and dancer Tate McRae. Moving beyond standard celebrity portraiture, this project leans into an intersection of high-fashion editorial and cinematic minimalism, showcasing the multifaceted talent of a rising global icon. Photographer David Roemer expertly navigates the studio environment, utilizing soft, natural light and beauty light techniques to define McRae’s athletic form and poised, direct-gaze demeanor. The styling, curated by fashion editor Lucy Gaston, centers on a refined, muted palette that balances structured button-downs with athletic silhouettes, reflecting a modern, sophisticated lifestyle aesthetic. The imagery is meticulously crafted, with set designer Jacob Burstein employing clean, light grey backdrops and translucent fabric draping to ensure the focus remains entirely on the subject’s commanding presence. Contributions from hair stylist Evanie Frausto, who emphasizes McRae’s signature loose waves, and makeup artist Kennedy, who provides a polished, editorial finish, further unify the aesthetic. By blending commercial precision with a relaxed, lifestyle-driven atmosphere, the collaboration produces a series that feels both accessible and aspirational. The final portraits serve as a definitive statement on contemporary stardom, successfully translating the high-energy persona of a performer into a series of serene, expertly composed stills that resonate with the magazine's broader narrative of youthful influence in the entertainment industry.

Editorial, Commercial

Natural light, Soft Light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment