Twisted Elegance

Inspired by the club kid movement in the late 80s and vintage Hollywood, Twisted Elegance follows a story of discovery and progression which reflects upon the stories of those socially deprived, to be celebrated within oneself. This shoot is exclusively featured on Roll Up magazine.

The Story

The club kid scene originated in the late 80s during the nightlife of New York and London, bringing an indulgent community for the gay, transgendered, and socially deprived so they could be celebrated. It was more than just dressing up and clubbing; it was also a way to express artistic flair that wasn’t necessarily deemed mainstream.

Twisted Elegance combines both the club kid aesthetic and vintage Hollywood to create a visual transitioning story that follows a tale of breaking away from the norm. The story is broken into four parts: Elegante, Discovery, Rebellion, and Authenticity.

Elegante: Follows the model through their poised training. They must be the perfect embodiment of clown culture within their time. For them, they have lost what originally brought them to love the act of being a clown, yet they are still trying to mask this sadness with empty smiles.

Discovery: The model reaches a breaking point – “Who am I?” They start to question themselves; what they’re doing, and whether this is right for them. Thus, their discovery of their true self begins.

Rebellion: We see the model challenge the rules that tied them down. Anger, frustration and confusion take control as they break through the cage that they’ve been kept in.

Authenticity: Here comes the resolve – the result of the model’s rebellion. They have found peace within themselves, and who they are and found a balance between what was taught and their true selves. Authenticity reflects upon the first section of the story but in a playful manner.

Photographer: Tasnim Khatun

MUA and Creative Director: Lucy Colbourne

Hair Stylist: Emma Vickers

Designer and Stylist: Emily Megan Barnes

Art Director: Tabitha Odutayo

Model: Kimberly Johnson