Refine is a fashion editorial I created as my final project during my first semester of graduate school. Although it was a class assignment, I approached it with the dedication and vision of a personal project, crafting a narrative that challenges harmful stereotypes through fashion.

Produced in 2023.

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Photography & Styling: Lewis Derogene (PhenomenaLewis)
Model: Marie Lisa Derogene
Makeup Artist: Vickiana Hadassa Louis

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Inspired by the story of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Shuri’s journey to embrace her worth and inner strength, this editorial tells a similar story of self-discovery. The concept centers around the model being isolated in a room, symbolizing the way Black women can feel boxed in by negative stereotypes, labeled as aggressive, rude, overly tough, or expected to carry everyone’s burdens.

As the narrative unfolds, the model moves through five distinct looks, each activated by her reflection in the mirror. The mirror becomes a tool of transformation, reflecting her worth and igniting a sense of self-love and joy, symbolized by the gradual introduction of flowers throughout the editorial.

Through this project, I wanted to visually express the process of breaking free from societal limitations and stepping into the fullness of one's identity, a celebration of inner peace, resilience, and the beauty of embracing oneself unapologetically.