When it comes to fashion the color white has held sizable symbolism signifying purity, newness, and the spiritual. Santería, the religion that rose from Yoruba doctrine, Roman Catholicism, and the indigenous peoples of the Americas, uses the color to recognize initiates as they work to ascend ranks. From the past pain of enslavement and foreign lands came prayer, and a transatlantic retention turned into something reverentially unique.
Such was the inspiration for Mariano Vivanco and Cuban American stylist, Jimi Urquiaga, for the latest Models.com story, bridging holy and secular, past and present for a story that celebrates the differences as much as the similarities of us all. With moving imagery, the duo invokes the spirit of Afro-cuban rite within model stunners Ajak Deng, Alicia Burke, Achok Majak, Duckie Thot, and Saul Rodriguez. Dressed in immaculate hues of pearl, ivory, and alabaster they prance and pose conjuring up Ori metaphysical. The new season’s latest unfurling of pristine white looks are the perfect garb for visuals rich in meaning.
Photography by Mariano Vivanco for Models.com
Creative Consultant – Stefania Alafaci
Stylist – Jimi Urquiaga
Hair – Joey George (Streeters New York)
Makeup – Niki M’Nray (The Wall Group) using Nars Cosmetics
Nails – Mei Kawajiri
Video – Kloss Films (Brydges MacKinney)
Digital Tech – Marcus Donates
Photo Assistant – Tomas Hein, Mario Torres, & Tyler Kufs
Stylist Assistants – Noah Diaz & Jonathan Clizaola
Hair Assistant – Rena Kobayashi | Makeup Assistant – Riley Kate Nelson
Models – Ajak Deng, Alicia Burke, Achok Majak, Duckie Thot, and Saul Rodriguez
Special thanks to Spring Studios
On Alicia, Top – Priory | Skirt – Jil Sander Navy
On Ajak, Dress – Michael Costello (dress) | Headpiece (throughout story) by Joey George
On Duckie, Top and skirt – Altuzarra
On Saul, Pants – Baja East
On Saul, Pants – Waltz
On Achok, Jumpsuit – Alberta Ferretti | Earrings Magdalena Frackowiak | Bracelets – Marco Bicego, Robert Coin, Ippolita, Armenta Kendra Scott, Meira T, and Lana Jewelry
On Alicia, Custom dress – Jimi Urquiaga at STYLE PR | Earrings – Magdalena Frackowiak
On Duckie, Custom dress – Jimi Urquiaga at STYLE PR | Underwear – Dolce & Gabbana | Earrings – Magdalena Frackowiak
On Duckie, Dress – Altuzarra | Belt – Zana Bayne | Left hand rings and earrings – Magdalena Frackowiak | Right hand rings – Laruicci | Necklace – Pound Jewelry Pendulum | Bracelets – Marco Bicego, Robert Coin, Ippolita, Armenta Kendra Scott, Meira T, and Lana Jewelry
On Ajak, Dress – Zimmermann
On Ajak, Dress – Zimmermann | Earrings and left hand rings – Magdalena Frackowiak | Right hand rings – Laruicci | Bracelets – Marco Bicego, Robert Coin, Ippolita, Armenta Kendra Scott, Meira T, and Lana Jewelry
On Ajak, Top and pant – Zimmermann
On Achok, Top – Yigal Azrouël | Skirt – Mara Hoffman
On Saul, Pants – Waltz
On Alicia, Dress – Zimmermann
I really do like the african style. Especially the 3th pictures looks really great. I would take that picture on my wall.
Ehhh… this is kinda weird. As a Yoruba(Santeria) priestess. This comes off overtly weird and over fantasized. And a little unnecessary to be honest. There’s so much incorrect symbolism that in no way represents our traditions or culture. But, in the the true spirit of “fashion” most cultures get represented incorrectly so this story is right on the mark I guess.
You should read National Geographic
Great photography. Over the past 5 years, this is the most beautiful!