WORDS MAISIE JANE DANIELS - PHOTOGRAPHY AINA TEVA - STYLING JORDI EJARQUE - MAKEUP CLAUDA - HAIR MARINA RODRIGUEZ - PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNA GUDAYOL - RETOUCH PAU RODRIGUEZ - MODEL ANITA - LOCATION LUCCIANO'S BARCELONA
Aina Teva, is a fourth fourth-year Photography student at the Superior School of Image and Design (IDEP Barcelona) who came to F Word with an out-of-this-world story that references fashion in the first decade of the 2000's titled Odyssey.
F Word's editor-in-chief, Maisie Jane Daniels wanted to get to know a bit more about this emerging talent and delves into the inspirations behind her degree project, explores what needs to change in the fashion industry at present, and questions what future has in store.
Maisie Daniels: We love your submission! Can you please tell us the inspiration behind your shoot?
Aina Teva: The '90's and '00s are certainly a time period that has been revisited in recent years, with fashion trends from that era becoming popular again. This could be due to a variety of factors, including nostalgia for the past or, by the way, the cyclical nature of fashion trends.
Twenty years ago, futurist artists wanted to rebuild the world and dismiss the past and tradition. Specifically, Odyssey is inspired in the futurism artistic movement of the 2000’s first decade. I took references from that artistic movement and I reinterpret that cosmovision with the actual ways of seeing.
MD: Why did you choose the title ‘Odyssey’?
AT: Odyssey means a long-term trip, full of favourable knowledge and adverse adventures. This is the word that best describes how this project has been for me.
MD: What's the biggest adventure you've been on so far?
AT: One adventure that stands out to me was in 2012 when I swam with whale sharks. It was very impressive and I have a marvellous memory of that.
MD: What's the biggest adventure you're yet to go on?
AT: One adventure that I hope to experience in a short term is to settle in another country in order to become involved with another culture and way of life and create my own projects. Sometimes I feel that I need wide open spaces. My mother says that I have itchy feet and I think she’s right.
MD:There seems to be a revival of ‘90s and ‘00s fashion, why do you think this is?
AT: It's true that there has been a revival of '90s and '00s fashion in recent years, with many popular trends from that era making a comeback. I believe that this is due to a combination of factors, including nostalgia for the past, the cyclical nature of fashion, and the influence of social media.
For many people who grew up in the '90's and '00s -like me- there is a sense of nostalgia associated with the fashion trends of that era. Perhaps, seeing these styles come back into fashion can be a way to relive those memories and connect with the past.
MD: What do you think is the future of fashion?
AT: I think one trend that is likely to continue in the future is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical production practices. Most of us –specially younger people- are more aware of the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry, and we are demanding greater transparency and accountability from brands. Besides, in terms of style, there will be a greater demand on designs that fit in a non-normative bodies, types of skin and diversity of cultures. Brands are increasingly connecting with that.
MD: What do you love about the fashion industry?
AT: I love how fashion allows people to express their individuality and personality through their clothing choices. As a photographer, I am also drawn to the beauty and aesthetics of fashion photography, from the styling and makeup to the lighting and composition of the images. Overall, I find the fashion industry to be a rich and inspiring source of artistic expression and visual storytelling.
MD: What do you think could be changed about the fashion industry?
AT: I am concerned about the excessive use of resources, the production of waste, and the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. Solutions must include promoting sustainable and ethical practices, such as using environmentally friendly materials and reducing waste through recycling and up-cycling.
Another issue is the lack of diversity and representation in the fashion industry, with concerns about the industry's narrow standards of beauty and body type, as well as its lack of inclusivity when it comes to race, gender, and sexuality. But, as a matter of fact, I notice that nowadays, brands are more aware about that.
MD: Something you wish you were told growing up?
AT: Good question! Fortunately my childhood was absolutely fantastic. I grew up with several good rules that I always keep in my mind. One of them is that everything is possible if you work hard. But if you can’t reach it, failure makes you stronger.
MD: What are your plans this summer?
AT: I am planning to travel to an isolated and quiet place close to nature. I need to slow down. I’ve been studying and working hard this year and I need to stop due to think about my future projects.
MD: Where would you most like to travel and why?
AT: My dream is to travel to Japan. I love Japan for its culture and I am very impressed by its incredible ancient temples and its delicious gastronomy. Besides, I always admired its advanced technology and innovation.
MD: Dream job/ dream client?
AT: My dream job is to be a member of Jessica Goicoechea’s team, the famous Spanish model.
MD: What has been your favourite part of studying?
AT: I’ve been very lucky studying photography in Barcelona. This is one of the best places to learn and discover new genres of storytelling. Technology, designers, photographers, filmmakers and so on, are on a rise in this mediterranean city. Perhaps my favourite part of studying is having some of the best photographers as professors in my university's school of photography. In addition, I’ve made a lot of good friends.
MD: What has been your least favourite part of studying?
AT: Well, as a matter of fact, being a photographer is my dream, so I’ve loved everything I have been doing, even though the university projects with its heavy work and its deadlines.
MD: What has your degree taught you the most?
AT: I feel that I am more confident about my abilities and capabilities. I’ve acquired knowledge and technique in shooting my pictures but I know that this is only the beginning and I am just in the first step of my career.
MD: What are your plans for after graduation?
AT: After my graduation I need to relax. I want to spend this summer with my family, friends and fiancée. After that, I will start new projects that I have on my mind in order to expand my horizons and my professional career. This means that I will have to stay in other countries due to work and share knowledge with artists and any kind of professionals who help me to grow up professionally.
MD: What is your favourite f-word?
AT: I’d say my favourite F- word is multiple: family, friends and fashion!
