W Magazine

Jul 2026

W Magazine’s V3.5 Summer Issue marks a daring exploration into the intersection of high-fashion photography and avant-garde beauty aesthetics. In this striking series, photographer Larissa Hofmann transforms the digital beauty portrait into a tactile study of form and color, placing model Luna Yohannan against a saturated cobalt blue backdrop that renders the subject in sharp, crystalline relief. The project functions as a sophisticated editorial showcase, leaning heavily into the intricacies of nail artistry as a sculptural medium rather than a mere cosmetic accessory. With meticulous contributions from manicurist Jin Soon Choi, the images feature complex, glass-like structures that mimic fluid coral formations, blurring the lines between anatomy and art. The visual narrative is further anchored by the nuanced hair styling of Sandy Hullett and the precision makeup artistry of Jenna Kuchera, both of whom allow the macro-lens focus on the hands to remain the project's undeniable centerpiece. By utilizing professional studio strobe lighting and precise macro techniques, the campaign captures the glossy, semi-translucent quality of the nail work with clinical clarity. These portraits stand as a bold testament to the creative vision of fashion director Allia Alliata di Montereale, successfully elevating the editorial portrait to a conceptual piece that celebrates bold texture, intentional composition, and the evolving language of modern, high-concept cosmetic imagery.

Editorial, Vertical

Studio strobe

Cosmetics, Beauty