What is beauty? In the Winter issue of IMAGE Magazine, on sale now, creative director Lawson Mpame and director Itchey Drew capture a diverse and unique collective whose lives and industries have been individually shaped by perceptions of beauty, including model Jip Eli, who shares how her journey with beauty has changed and evolved her perspective and what beauty means to her.
Creative Director’s Notes
The Illusion Of Beauty
“The model removing make-up with intent conveys that true beauty lies underneath make-up.” – Lawson Mpame and Itchey Drew
Where do you see or find beauty in your life?
Mainly on my daily walks or runs through the city or while traveling. I love to find little details that speak to me. I find beauty in the kind and wonderful people around me, both on the inside and outside.
What does the word “beauty” mean to you?
Something that’s pleasing to the senses. It’s universal yet different for everyone. That’s the beauty of it.
What has been your personal journey with your own beauty?
For me beauty is very interlinked with identity and self-expression. That’s probably why I like fashion so much. Finding who I am, what I (want to) look like and how I express myself is a lifelong exploration. I just see it as an enjoyable journey where you should take risks, look inward as well as outward and try to find confidence along the way! I firmly believe that everyone has the right to be confident and part of confidence is valuing yourself equally to others. I try to be truthful to myself and hope I can make others feel they can do the same!
Did anything change about your approach to beauty while you were on this project?
Talking about being true to yourself! The team and the models were all so positive, supportive and strong! They’ve definitely confirmed my belief that beauty means being and daring to be unique. The way I saw them move in front of the camera and show their vulnerability inspired me to push my boundaries.
What is your favourite thing about yourself?
My ability to take risks. I love exploring new things and I think that has brought me a lot of cool experiences in life. Your memories are yours to keep and for me they are my most prized possession.
Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self?
My favourite quote is a Steve Jobs quote I heard a few years ago, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards.” It means that following your intuition and curiosity will lead you to where you need to go, but it’s okay to not know exactly where that’ll be and what the road there will look like. It’ll all make sense in the end.
What’s the one thing you find very beautiful or attractive in others?
Humour, confidence and kindness. I see those characteristics as a triangle, perfectly complementing each other.
What do you love about yourself?
I’m very dynamic. If something doesn’t go according to plan, no problem – I switch it up! I love my ability to connect with others, because it gives me so much in return I would never be able to give myself.
Creative director Lawson Mpame. Director Itchey Drew. Photography by Wiktoria Bialas and Mark Sosiak. Art Director: Lawson Mpame, Director of photography: Itchey Drew. Lighting: Mark Sosiak, lighting assistants: Denise Kavunov and Fabiola Melo. Stylist: Lorna Spaine. Hair: Maria Whiting. Make-up: Jessy Malone. Choreographer: Jessie Thompson. Runner: Max Korol. Location: D-Light Studios. Set: Ten Four and We Are Platinum. Clothing: French Connection and Primark. Special thanks to Camerakit.ie.
IMAGE Winter 2023
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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