Clear and Harsh

In keeping with our mission to support and inspire creativity, we ask the artists we collaborate with to offer insight into their work, a look behind the scenes, and the opportunity for our readers to learn more about the process. For our latest fashion feature, stylist Francesca Russo answers our questions.
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What was the inspiration behind this shoot?
This shoot explores the delicate tension between clarity and intensity, softness and strength. Through sheer fabrics, sculptural shapes, and contrasting textures/colors, the concept captures moments of serene vulnerability and bold energy. This shoot is an homage to that tension—the quiet presence of vulnerability beneath a strong body.

I just noticed that vulnerability, especially in men but also life in general, is often difficult to express openly. There’s a tendency to always show strength, to appear composed and in control, because that’s what is most accepted and celebrated. But we are all navigating difficult emotions, and I think vulnerability is one of the most universal feelings but also one of the hardest to show.

Using the body as a language, we explored how small shifts in posture can express different emotions. A curved silhouette can suggest softness, while a more upright, structured pose or a stronger face shows confidence and control. That contrast has always drawn me in. However, it’s open to interpretation—everyone might see or feel something different in each image, it leaves space for the viewer to decide what’s being felt…or what’s maybe being held back.
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Who or what are some of the biggest inspirations for your work?
You might assume my inspirations come from within the fashion industry, a stylist, a painter, or iconic photographer—and I do have loads of creatives that I admire, like Edgar Degas or Rubina Marchiori. However—and this might be a little sentimental or “cheesy”—I think my biggest inspirations are my parents.

My dad, for his dedication, resilience, and being such a hard worker, while my mum’s curiosity and ability to juggle so many things at once constantly push me to stay open and engaged with the world.

However, I also think inspiration comes from the littlest thing around you. It could be an old lady picking milk from an aisle at Tesco or that exhibition you went to see at the Victoria and Albert Museum, or maybe a long discussion with your friend, or it could also come from your past experiences of just living your life. That’s what is existing: it’s really about staying aware, allowing yourself to observe without limitations. As Karishma Patel always says, “don’t put yourself in a bubble”.
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What do you do to overcome a creative block?
This is a really hard question; I struggle with creative blocks quite a lot. Sometimes I feel like we’re so overstimulated by the way modern life works. Ideas are coming at us from everywhere, and it can be hard to filter through them. For me, that often ends up creating a block. Honestly, I’m not sure how to overcome it. It kind of passes on its own, like a bad cold. Going back home to my little village sometimes helps; it clears the noise and lets me think more clearly. Or sometimes I just try not to think at all, which can be surprisingly nice, to stop your brain completely for a moment. But yeah, it’s definitely still a work in progress.
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What is your favorite image from this shoot and why?
I really like the photo where Domin is lying on the blue carpet, wearing a bright yellow top. I love how the different colors come through from every angle, along with the mix of materials, the lace tights against the strong blue carpet—it all creates such a striking contrast. It was Sandra’s idea to use a blue carpet. I am so grateful for that because it worked beautifully. This really was a team effort that brought the editorial to life. I also love her pose and the fact that her face isn’t fully visible. It really captures that sense of something hidden, a kind of mystery. There’s a balance between softness and strength, and you’re not entirely sure what’s being expressed. Because you can’t fully see her face, it leaves space for your imagination.
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What is something you wish you had known when you were starting your career?
I think I wish I had known how important it is to be patient and to speak up when it matters. Those are two things I’m still learning for sure. I guess they’re not just important for work, but for life in general too.