The Weeknd wearing a dark coat and sunglasses with a motion blur effect against a dark background for Complex.

The Weeknd wearing a black puffer jacket and balaclava seated in a leather chair on a red carpet with blue gradient lighting.

Portrait of The Weeknd wearing sunglasses with motion blur and pink and blue lighting for Complex magazine.

The Weeknd wearing dark sunglasses and a black coat against a vibrant red background in a portrait for Complex.

Various Editorials COMPLEX X The Weeknd 2025

About

This editorial portrait series, COMPLEX X The Weeknd, presents a high-contrast visual study of the recording artist through the lens of photographer Holly McCandless-Desmond. The project spans several portraits that utilise low-key / chiaroscuro lighting and vertical framing to craft a cinematic atmosphere. The imagery relies on saturated colour palettes and technical effects, including multiple exposure, motion blur, and glitch-inspired VFX. These techniques are applied against moody, dark, and monochromatic backgrounds to emphasise movement and presence, documenting the subject in an array of contemporary attire.