In their latest editorial, titled "Extension," Berlin-based stylist Kamal Emanga and photographer Hyesoo Chung explore the new age goth and grunge aesthetic that has pushed visual boundaries in rap and pop culture at large.
The pair combines elements of rap and European art movements and presents them as equally valid forms of intellectual expression through stylistic references ranging from Teezo Touchdown to Michele Lamy.
"The overall goal was to create a mix of the classic silhouettes we see on male rap artists paired with my own idea of how this could be transformed or taken a step further projected onto a female body," explains Emanga. "It was important to me to pay homage to the people that inspired me to do this project while also driving the aesthetic forward, not just copying what already is."
"Extension" is also an homage to Berlin itself, featuring Berlin-based brands like PROTOTYPE: AM, Elizaveta Efimova, FRAN, Clara Rathke, Niklas Steinmetz, Sara Spenner, Essie Kramer, Maximilian Benz, Elie Manuel, Antonia Sieve and more. The city thrives on its youth and its reputation for hedonism.
Emanga adds: "It is safe to say that almost every creative in Berlin is somewhat inspired by the grey brutalist architecture along with its many niches of techno culture for which the city is known for."
See the entire shoot, below.
Photography: Hyesoo Chung
Art direction and styling: Kamal Emanga
Hair: Tina Pachta
Hair assistant: Mickael Ambrosino
Makeup: Naomzz
Model: Aria Arkhipova
