Yura Romaniuk in 'Le Petit Prince' Lensed by Szilveszter Mako for Numéro 243

Ukrainian model Yura Romaniuk is styled by Lisa Jarvis in a fashion story ‘Le Petit Prince’, an art studio assemblage of Transylvanian heritage brand Abodi, Chanel, Maison Margiela, Maison Valentino, Zegna and more.

Photographer/art director Szilveszter Mako [IG] captures the luxury fashion shadow box for Numéro 243 [IG] Magazine’s December 2023.January 2024 issue. / Hair by Massimo Di Stefano; makeup by Vanessa Icareg

Edith Di Monda [IG] directed creation of the recycled elements photography set, used in another fashion story also lensed by Szilveszter Mako in the November 2023 Numéro 242 issue.

The photography in this set makes so unique a visual impression that the two stories are almost interchangeable, except for the model changes. But the very essence of sustainability theory encourages using such a precious set multiple times.

This is pure fashion photography poetry in a unique set that encourages — yet limits — distinctive poses. Rarely does the spacial geometry of the set contribute to poses in such an integrated manner.

We deal with white backgrounds all day long, often with mundane results. We’re just not accustomed to seeing a set so ‘rare’ used more than once.

BUT, if the photographer is Paolo Roversi, his photographic visions are immediately recognizable and therefore recycled as well. We appreciate them each time we see them — like a glass of fine, aged cognac.

Lastly, we have the theme of breaking fashion industry barriers and “thinking outside of the box” in fashion as an expression of human lifestyles and the individual.

Edith Di Monda uses a quote in her earlier November story that I will wait to share because she has planted that flower in a different shadow box. But I adore it!

There’s no doubt that this team is probing multiple thoughts and expressions of ideas visually and intellectually. I can see from their IG dates of projects they’ve known each other and worked together over time.

I love this project conceptually and in viewing the actual results. It fires up my brain with its undiluted artistry, true beauty and sophisticated intellectual provocation about the human condition. But then I always love art house fashion playgrounds.

BTW, the clothes look great and we see them in detail. Not to go all pragmatic here, but that mission is also accomplished — with significant dramatic flair. ~ Anne