Alice Hawkins : Nairobi, Kenya Love Magazine

Dorris in skirt by Diesel, dress by Zadig & Voltaire, boots by Hunter Mildred in her own clothes

For the recent issue (Issue 7 – 2012) of love magazine photographer, Alicia Hawkins, and stylist, Anders Sølvsten Thomsen, embarked on a journey to Kenya’s capital and largest city, Nairobi. While there, Hawkins and Thomsen photographed local models and people chosen from a street casting. The bucolic scenery mixed with affluent attire is something that is crisp and new, yet still evokes an old worn-out feeling as well. I am reminded of the numerous designers that have created photo campaign opportunities from global travel, impoverish people, and less developed terrain. Is there something different here?

I’m partial to believing that clean pristine attire adorned by each model/local helps to elevate the images. Staring at each image for a brief moment, seeing through all the muck, foliage, city/country life, I am reminded that no matter what types of hardships arise, one can still possess a sense of clarity. What you wear can promote a sense of lucid interpretation. Not quite the, “dress to impress” monarchy but somewhat connected in a way.

Anders’s styling in each photo is very specific. Each garment drapes beautifully on the models’ bodies. The images are so clean it leaves room to appreciate all the details. This contrasted with the landscape makes monumental photography. For a moment, you even lose an understanding of time. Little minuscule details like a Swatch watch, or Hunter boots, or even a Nike Beanie will nudge you right back into present day. If the fashion particulars don’t set a time period, then the surrounding electric wire lines, modern day architecture, and the distant, almost hidden skyscrapers will suggest this to you. I enjoy these images if not due primarily to the juxtaposition of scene, fashion, and styling but also the thoughtfulness that went into each model’s attire. This photo shoot definitely took a great deal of attention and awareness.

Image via love magazine and Alicia Hawkins. Styling by Anders Sølvsten Thomsen

(Left to Right) Florence in top and skirt by Ermanno Scervino, boots by Aldo, shirt from June Victor at Alfie’s Antique Market Gift in dress by Mulberry, beanie by Nike, jacket by Pinko

(Left to Right) Christine in jumper and shorts by Joseph, hat by Nina Ricci, socks by Falke, shoes by Tods Njeri in shorts by J Brand, top by Karen Millen, beanie by Nike, socks by Tabio and shoes by Aldo

(Left to Right) Joyce in jumpsuit by Trussardi 1911, bag by Jimmy Choo Virginia in jacket and skirt by Diane von Furstenberg

Peris in waistcoat by Emporio Armani, socks by Topshop, shoes by Ralph Lauren

(Left to Right) Elsie in dress by Christian Dior, jeans by Paige, hooded top by Balmain, earrings by Alexis Bittar, loafers by Tods, watch by Swatch Naomi in scarf and skirt by Michael Kors, top by French Connection, socks by Falke, shoes by Repetto Rebecca in dress by M by Missoni, socks by Tabio, shoes by Repetto

Grace in jacket by Iceberg, shirt by June Victor at Alfie’s Antique Market

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