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·Michelle Mao for IMAGINE magazine

Woman leaning on a rustic wooden chair against a green background wearing a striped shirt, skirt, and patterned heels with pearl necklace.

Fashion editorial portrait of a woman wearing a camel top and skirt standing against a dark textured background

A woman in a pink dress resting her head on a wooden desk with a vintage chair against a dark textured wall.

Portrait of a woman wearing a white lace dress with high collar against a light seamless background

Portrait of a woman holding a small lit candle in a silver swan holder against a green background

Portrait of a young woman with dark hair wearing a white lace dress against a plain white background

Woman wearing a houndstooth tweed suit holding a small candlestick against a green backdrop.

Woman resting her head on a wooden table, wearing a light pink sleeveless top and textured skirt against dark patterned wallpaper.

Portrait of a woman with short dark hair and freckles resting her head on a woven chair for IMAGINE magazine editorial

Portrait of Michelle Mao wearing an ochre patterned wrap top and dark straps against a textured dark background.

Woman in lilac sleeveless top and layered ruffled skirt crouching while holding a white paper fan

Various Editorials Michelle Mao for IMAGINE magazine 2026

About

In this evocative series for IMAGINE magazine, photographer Kiu Ka Yee delivers a masterclass in editorial portraiture that transcends standard fashion documentation. By blending a classic, minimalist aesthetic with intentional, vibrant color-blocking, the shoot places subject Michelle Mao at the intersection of high fashion and intimate narrative. The project leans heavily into soft natural light to emphasize the tactile complexity of the wardrobe, featuring intricate lace ruffles, structured houndstooth tailoring, and layered textures that feel both vintage-inspired and modern. Under the direction of fashion editor Tabitha Sanchez, the styling anchors these portraits, using elements like an ornate swan candleholder or a small hand fan to invite a sense of cinematic storytelling into each frame. The collaboration is elevated by the precise hair styling of Ian James and the refined makeup artistry of Lilly Keys, both of whom work in tandem to highlight natural skin tones and freckles, ensuring the focus remains squarely on the subject's steady, contemplative gaze. Utilizing a mix of vibrant studio backdrops and rich, textured wallpaper, the imagery achieves a sophisticated, clean aesthetic that feels both composed and spontaneous. This collection successfully utilizes studio strobe and natural light to balance bold contrast with soft focus, resulting in a cohesive, visually arresting feature that defines the contemporary editorial portrait.