The inspiration behind this photoshoot was our life in Quarantine, the “new normal”. Without a doubt, quarantine has affected every single person on this earth. No matter your sex, age, or ethnicity, we all have one thing in common, having to deal with issues of this global pandemic. It often feels like we stepped into this alternate reality that isn’t our norm. Not being able to do what you want, or having normal interactions with others like we used to, feels almost like social castration. As a result of these global changes, we all go through an emotional rollercoaster.
Living in The Netherlands we have been in a (semi) lockdown for a year now. As artists, it’s been extremely hard dealing with these new challenges and newfound stress for which we were not entirely prepared for. It was very important to find a creative outlet for dealing with these issues and remaining sane. This helps reduce stress and loneliness.
For me, art has been my form for remaining sane. Most artists don’t have access to materials, facilities, and equipment to create art during these hard times. This was also the case for me. This was also the case for us. So I went looking (together with the other creative director of this shoot: Stephanie N. Gomes) for other creatives as ourselves and we were able to assemble a wonderful team together. We combined all of our individual strengths/recourses and we were able to channel all the chaos that’s happening in the world into our art.
We as a team wanted to showcase the different types of emotions that we as people go through during quarantine but from an artistic and fashionable angle.
SHOCK & DENIAL
The news about the lockdown came quick with little, to no warning. Like nothing, we’ve never seen or experienced before and almost possible to comprehend. The life we once knew is gone, this was the beginning of confusing times.
ISOLATION & SOCIAL DISTANCING
Emptiness, fear, loneliness, anger, depression, and even grief are all met in isolation. The strict rules made it
impossible to go out and to do something to make us feel normal. Something as simple as a hug or a handshake is suddenly prohibited to the point that it almost feels illegal. The plastic barriers around us are a constant reminder that it’s not the same to be social when you’re distant.
DETACHMENT FROM REALITY
Me, myself & I are taking a good look in the mirror, self reflection, getting to know yourself, and learning to deal with all these new emotions ALONE. Finding a (creative) outlet to maintain your sanity, because suddenly your home doesn’t feel like home anymore.
SADNESS, ANGER AND ACCEPTANCE
Our sleeping patterns and eating habits change and insomnia kicks in. Moments that should’ve been celebrated have passed. Even though we know that this is going to be temporary it feels like the clock has stopped and we are frozen in time. Believe in yourself! Changes are overwhelming, but you have to be kind to yourself and not lose hope and remember you are going to be fine. We all are.
NVDK Couture, Toral Shoes, Tisento Milano, Gucci, Weat, By Malina, The Kooples, Sandro, Samsøe & Samsøe, Biko, Margot Bardot, Tom Ford, Naim Agency.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/STYLING: Bo Heikens
CONCEPT DEVELOPER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR/MUA: Stephanie N. Gomes
MODELS: Lanxiang Vermeulen & Jazzlynn Koene
HAIRSTYLIST: Wiardi Koopmeiners
PHOTOGRAPHY: Otto van den Toorn
PUBLISHED: Mob Journal
LOCATION: Hotel Estherea, Amsterdam
