BLACK JOY

Maisie Daniels
Jul 22
2 min read

MODELS BALAT PAL + ADUAL AKOL FROM STORM MODELS – PHOTOGRAPHY & PRODUCTION JASMINE ENGEL-MALONE – STYLING, CREATIVE DIRECTION + FOREWORD NAOMI BABALOLA – MAKEUP PHOEBE HEARD – HAIR JAMIQUE WEBB – PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT & BTS SARAH ELLEN TREACHER – MAKEUP ASSISTANT MIA FISK

Black Joy is centred around the celebration of blackness through colour, volume, and layers—each outfit intentionally styled to reflect the emotional and cultural complexity of who we are. That despite where we may end up, be it through immigration, travels or unexpected circumstances we make things our own while incorporating parts of our culture and heritage. That in everything done there is black joy. It’s about softness, strength, joy, and all the layers in between.

Shot within nature and the local community —so the vibrancy of the clothes and the richness of the models’ skin tones take centre stage. But also the notion of every day life is pulled in; as well as emphasis on embracing our bodies as they are. The contrast between the looks, background and energy presented in each frame tells the story: beauty and pride are in unexpected places.

Adual wears black beaded bra T LABEL; black midi skirt PEACHY DEN

Balat wears silver beaded bra T LABEL; white midi skirt PEACHY DEN

Adual wears oversized cardigan + knitted shorts SCAR KENNEDY

Balat wears tights SCAR KENNEDY; silver beaded bra T LABEL; bomber jacket YU HAMANA

Adual wears top PEACHY DEN; maxi skirt + beaded necklace T LABEL; gele CAROL BABALOLA

Balat wears black bralette top T LABEL; trousers YU HAMANA; gele CAROL BABALOLA

Adual wears gele CAROL BABALOLA

LEFT Balat wears gloves + top T LABEL; trousers YU HAMANA

Adual wears dress T LABEL

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