Photographer Ira Giorgetti takes an eclectic and diverse look at six unique characters based in London, all with an individual outlook on life and their surroundings. As well as this distinctive portrait series, each model was interviewed, which you can read near the bottom of this feature. The images were photographed on a mix of Polaroid, 35mm Portra160 and digital and both cast and crew represent a diverse background. Full team credits below.
PHOTOGRAPHY Ira Giorgetti
STYLING Nina Sobers
SET DESIGN Juelma Isabel Nunes
GROOMING Kareem Jarche
PHOTO ASSISTANT Daniel Sharbanov
MODELS
Alex, Taka, Ramzan (W Model)
Daniel (Menace Models)
Luke & Siuhei (Contact Agency)
Jeans – Scotch & Soda
MODEL INTERVIEWS
Name: Taka
Age: 26
Gender Identity: Male
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Nationality: Japanese
Hometown: Kobe
Agency: W
Tell me about yourself in one short sweet sentence.
Opened minded with full of curiosity
What’s a day in the life for you?
Sitting in nature!
Did you always want to be a model?
Never did, I had many interests in fashion for long time. I thought modelling could bring me some experience involving fashion.
How did you go about that process of self-discovery?
I found myself happy with what I do now.
How has modelling affected you and your identity and your self-perception?
It already has given me lots of opportunities and experience. I am always so grateful about it.
Was there anyone in your life thus far who has really helped you get more clarity on who you are?
No one.
Who are your mentors? Who do you look up to?
My father. He always has inspired me about what I need to do in my life. He taught me how to be calm down whenever I got worried or scared of things.
Were you in London for the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown? What was that like?
I wasn’t in the UK , was my home town in Japan. There was no one diagnosed for it when I was there so I was relaxing and chilling at my home. I normally don’t have much time to stay with family and this gave me lots of time to be with them made me happy.
Describe London in three words.
Second home, challenging, struggling
Name: Alex / Lexi
Age: 28
Gender Identity: Male
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Nationality: British
Hometown: Derby
Agency: W
What’s a day in the life for you?
Gratuitous – humorous – packed – ever changing and fulfilling.
Did you always want to be a model?
A dancer!
How did you go about that process of self-discovery?
I’d been scouted when I was younger and nothing came of it. I was also focusing on dance training and starting a career in the arts, but later onI felt modelling was an itch that I never quite scratched and decided for myself I should have another shot at this. I went into an agency and the rest is history!
How has modelling affected you and your identity and your self-perception?
It made me initially a lot more aware of myself and how I’m perceived by others. Thankfully with time I became more aware that’s it’s just a job and it’s only one of many wonderful things that make up who I am. I like to think that’s the case anyways 🙂
Was there anyone in your life thus far who has really helped you get more clarity on who you are?
My best friend Aliesha James who sadly passed at the end of last year. She filled me with self awareness, empathy and confidence in the development of my character for sure. She did everything a good friend should do, and helped me become the best version of myself.
Who are your mentors? Who do you look up to?
The ‘bad girls club’ – a group of my strong, creative best friends. They build me up, support me, enable me, inspire me and most importantly check me if I need to hear it. My parents were my first role models though, they are two of the strongest most resilient inspiring people I know.
Were you in London for the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown? What was that like?
Yes I was in my flat in southwest London. We have little decking so made use of the sun! It wasn’t too bad, I just exercised and kept myself busy. I like to be active so I made the most of learning cool home workouts and yoga. That really helped chill me out when anxiety hit – namaste 😉
Describe London in three words.
Crazy, sexy, cool.
Name: Ramzan
Age: 27
Gender Identity: Male
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Nationality: British-Bangladeshi
Hometown: Luton
Agency: W
What’s a day in the life for you?
Starting my day with a good tea and then heading to the gym or yoga class so that I am energised and ready to go. Usually I would then do self tapes or head to castings. In the afternoon, I’d find time for content creating or admin before relaxing and switching off in the evening.
Did you always want to be a model?
I didn’t think coming from my community I could do modelling as my career so I started this for fun – and now this progressed to be full time for me and I love what I do.
How did you go about that process of self-discovery?
My self discovery started very young as I was always finding things to do and be creative. I wanted to keep pushing boundaries in the south Asian community as there wasn’t enough representation.
How has modelling affected you and your identity and your self-perception?
Working with different brands has definitely made me think about my identity which was difficult at first as I felt I was being tokenised. However growing within the industry has made me feel more confident to embrace my culture and bring this part of me to my work environment.
Was there anyone in your life thus far who has really helped you get more clarity on who you are?
I would definitely say my family and friends have definitely been my support system.
Who are your mentors? Who do you look up to?
My mentors would definitely be my parents. They’ve mentored me throughout and continue to do so.
Were you in London for the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown? What was that like?
Yes I was! London is a very busy place, so to see this being empty definitely was different however refreshing.
Describe London in three words.
Together, unique and diverse.
Name: Luke
Age: 20
Gender Identity: Male
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Nationality: British
Hometown: London
Agency: Contact
What’s a day in the life for you?
Wake up, play some PS4, leave the house (if I absolutely must) and repeat!
Did you always want to be a model?
Quite frankly I wanted to be a basketball player but found out at a very early age that I would never have the height or athletic ability.
How did you go about that process of self-discovery?
Apart from selfies I’ve taken in the loo my first foray into modelling was in 2017 when I was street cast for the Liam Hodges SS8 show. That first show was very nerve-wracking but as soon as I stepped out, I realised that putting one foot in front of the other isn’t that hard.
How has modelling affected you and your identity and your self perception?
Going to castings and sitting next to actual demi-gods has humbled me a fair bit but I don’t think it has had a negative impact on my self-perception.
Was there anyone in your life thus far who has really helped you get more clarity on who you are?
Yeah, my sister lets me know when I’m being a knob.
Who are your mentors? Who do you look up to?
Soulja boy, Vivienne Westwood, MF DOOM, Jun Takahashi.
Were you in London for the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown? What was that like?
I came back from uni for lockdown around 3 days before official lockdown started. In the beginning, it was a really nice change of pace, but I found myself getting very quickly bored by watching tv and playing ps4. It was great to have time for self-evaluation and reflection, but I would like my life to return to how it was pre-COVID.
Describe London in three words.
Smoggy depressing paradise.
Name: Siuhei
Age: 28
Gender Identity: Non-binary
Preferred Pronouns: They/them
Nationality: Hong Kong
Hometown: Hong Kong
Agency: Contact
What’s a day in the life for you?
I usually wake up after 10:30 because I am a night person. I jog 7km everyday to keep myself healthy and in shape. I wish I could have bubble tea everyday but I just can’t, it’s not healthy!
Did you always want to be a model?
I used to be a fashion design assistant and stylist in Hong Kong before I moved to London. I modelled in Hong Kong and Australia too but things really kicked off for me at last year’s London Fashion Week. It was exciting to walk my first runway. Everything paused for severals months because of the lockdown but now the shoots are coming back.
How did you go about that process of self-discovery?
Before London I lived in a conservative city, the pronouns we used were only he or she. People don’t care or know what diversity and inclusive is and you can’t be yourself. I never felt like I belonged. I moved to London last year to start a new life. I’ve learnt to listen to myself. I go out wearing what I want, with the hair that I want, in make-up and all sorts.
How has modelling affected you and your identity and your self-perception?
Getting involved with creatives people really shows lots of ideas I’ve never been exposed to. Especially when you are non-binary, people who work with you are mostly very open-minded. It really gives me confidence and ideas and makes me a unique and distinctive model.
Was there anyone in your life thus far who has really helped you get more clarity on who you are?
I think my close friends really help me a lot. Whenever I struggle with my identity they do give me the support I need to be more confident and brave.
Who are your mentors? Who do you look up to?
I definitely look up to my mother. She’s a wonderful person who has spent her life taking really good care of me, I am very grateful to her wholeheartedly.
Were you in London for the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown? What was that like?
It was very sad to hear the daily news, it definitely reminded me of SARS in 2002. I tried to stay fit and keep healthy, and thankfully it’s become routine. I think its a good chance to refresh your body and mind, and learn to take care your body.
Name: Daniel
Age: 19
Gender Identity: Male
Preferred Pronouns: King
Nationality: English
Hometown: Epping
Agency: Menace
What’s a day in the life for you?
I wake up at roughly 6, I always start my morning with a tea. I work daily unless it rains or I have a shoot. In the evening I’ll have a bath and cook dinner unless I get something on the fly. I unwind by watching a podcast or educational YouTube video.
Did you always want to be a model?
Growing up I always had a feeling the normal 9 -5 job would not be right for me. People always told me I should look into modelling but it wasn’t something I’d seriously considered. I am grateful I can balance modelling and my work life without stress.
How did you go about that process of self-discovery?
Books and podcasts! Recently I have been reading “7 habits off highly effective people”. I have always struggled with reading and writing but every night I attempt to read this book and my reading and spelling skills are improving better and better by the day.
How has modelling affected you and your identity and your self perception?
I may call myself a model as an occupation or be called a model by others but personally I don’t identify as a model because I think labels are given to you by society to limit what you can and can’t be so I always identify myself as infinite awareness and consciousness.
Was there anyone in your life thus far who has really helped you get more clarity on who you are?
I am very lucky I have a very supportive family both my parents are very laid back and will support me in what every I do and so do my close friends.
Who are your mentors? Who do you look up to?
My mum and my dad! I am grateful that they have taught me the skills to build the life I want. Tommy Mallet’s a good one too, I like the way he wasn’t good at school but didn’t let that limit him in business.
Were you in London for the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown? What was that like?
I live in the forest and county side, my town’s not very built up so they keep fairly quiet.
Describe London in three words.
The best city.
— Thank you to all the models and team involved in this series! —