l'ombra

February 11, 2024 by Rey Magazine

A REY exclusive Fashion Editorial photographed in Amsterdam.

Concept & Photography by Armando Branco

Styling Javier Navia

starring Javier @ FIC Model Mngmt

Constructs of Desire

December 28, 2023 by Christos Christou

A REY exclusive Portrait Series, photographed in London, UK.

Concept & Photography by Alex Charovas

starring Alex Rocky

Constructs of Desire

by Alex Charovas

In the series "Constructs of Desire," my lens delves into the intricate interplay of body language, gender, and sexuality, inspired by the spirited debates ignited by Cameron and Kulick's (2003) groundbreaking work, "Language and Sexuality." This collection captures a fusion of analogue black and white and colour photography, accentuated by light leaks and a vintage aesthetic. The title itself, "Constructs of Desire," nods to the multifaceted nature of desire explored within the images.

Cameron and Kulick expanded the study of desire beyond mere sexuality, introducing the concept of ontological desire—an individual's yearning to embody or emulate qualities intrinsic to a specific identity. In the context of masculinity, this desire extends beyond societal constraints, revealing a compelling exploration of self-construction within cultural discourses.

Drawing inspiration from Stephen Whitehead's (2002) discourse on masculine ontology, the series navigates the pursuit of being and becoming masculine through performative acts. Masculinity, viewed as a social phenomenon, unfolds as a constant engagement in discursive practices that suggest and reinforce the desired identity. Through a lens of cultural discourses, the desire to construct and validate one's masculine self becomes a focal point.

The visual narratives within "Constructs of Desire" transcend traditional gender norms, as a physically powerful yet vulnerably posed male model challenges preconceptions. Portraits capture not only the details of a well-defined physique but also the adoption of feminine poses, emphasising the performative nature of desire, both ontological and interpersonal.

"Constructs of Desire" invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted dimensions of desire, masculinity, and identity. Through a visual journey, this series challenges conventional norms, encouraging a deeper understanding of the performative acts that shape and express desire within the complex interplay of body language, gender, and sexuality.

BUSTER

December 26, 2023 by Rey Magazine

A REY exclusive Fashion Editorial produced in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Concept & Photography by Armando Branco

Styling Jeroen Kamphorst

Grooming Aleksandar Lou

starring Mateo @ FIC Model Mngmt

Special thanks: Leon Klaassen Bos

Armando notes, ‘‘With this fashion shoot we want to pay homage to Old Hollywood, especially the silent era films (1895 - 1930). It’s still a great source of inspiration, even though those movies were created more than a century ago. They would feature icons like Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin & Buster Keaton.

This production can best be viewed while playing some Cab Calloway in the background (1907 – 1994).’’

Le réveur

September 07, 2023 by Rey Magazine

A REY exclusive Fashion Editorial photographed in Barcelona, Spain.

Photographed by William Bibet

Art Direction & Styling by Fabricio Pérez

Starring Manel Olle @ Bento Models

lazy sunday

July 16, 2023 by Rey Magazine

A REY exclusive Fashion Editorial, photographed in Los Angeles.

Photographed by Luyang Tian

Styling by Peiwen Wang

Assistant Stylist Heath Slavens

starring Hunter @ Photo/Genics Media

Concept by Victoria Lautman

Dappled morning sunlight oozes through breeze-blown curtains, a golden honey glow that caresses everything in its path. Eyelids begin to flutter awake, the final moments of a dream evaporating like a mirage, as consciousness gathers in that enchanted space just below the surface of awareness. Between these two worlds all things seem possible, all things are attainable. If only this delicious disorientation could permeate the day.

And so a languid Sunday unfurls, quietly meandering from the tousled bed with its memories of the night before and on into a day of playfulness and contemplation. Hunter knows the value of these rejuvenating moments, essential time both for gazing within while expanding outward individuality, an occasion to calmly focus before embarking on the dynamic week ahead. There is no schedule to follow, decision to be made, or appointment to keep, just hours in which to reconnect with himself and the wistful remembrance of comfort and dreams. By day’s end, replenished and energized, he’s once again ready to welcome Monday with open arms.