Brooklyn-based photographer Christopher Bucello and stylist Samantha Mendez take us through a series of captivating images in their exclusive new editorial for Liminul, Seeing Red. Drenched in rich shades of red, a colour that emerged organically whilst shooting, the series is inspired by the gritty nostalgia of a New York lifestyle and re-imagined through a modernist lens. Each look presents an air of sophistication paired with dark, shadow-infused sex appeal: a high-femme ensemble replete with sequined hot pants and crimson lace-topped thigh-high stockings; a liquid-metallic, gunmetal gown; and a tailored Dolce & Gabbana suit all coalesce to inform a visual dialectic of androgyny.
At the heart of the editorial, Valentine Alvarez effortlessly embodies the mysterious allure of a driver navigating the nostalgic streets of New York in a vintage Cadillac. The setting evokes a reimagined scene from A Bronx Tale, yet our protagonist is both refreshed and redefined: of Mexican descent, they bring their own enigmatic personality to the classic tale.
Look 1
Top: DELOSANTOS
Bottoms: Source of Sweet – Vintage
Jewelry Cuffs: JUJU VERA
Shoes: maile
Bag: Source of Sweet – Vintage Prada
Look 2
Dress: SUBSURFACE
Bottoms: Monday Swimwear
Earring: NOTTE
Look 3
Suit Jacket: Source of Sweet – Vintage Dolce & Gabbana
Top: CUCCULELLI SHAHEEN
Trousers: 5000
Lighter: JUJU VERA
Ash Tray: JUJU VERA
Team Credits
Photography – Christopher Bucello
Styling – Samantha Mendez
Models – Valentine Alvarez (IMG Models)
Makeup – Seiya Iibuchi
Hair – Emily Knapton
Photographer Assistant – Donovan Davidson
Styling Assistant – Mary Joyce McFarland
Shot at – Veronica Studios Brooklyn
Cody Rooney is the Editor in Chief and senior contributor at liminul.
He is a PhD candidate, digital content specialist, writer, editor, multi-media artist, and photographer.