At George Q Studios in Wynberg, Sandton, a wave of creative energy pulsed through the space as a tight-knit team came together to produce an editorial that is as emotionally evocative as it is visually arresting. There were no rigid briefs, no ego-driven directions—just shared vision and instinct. What unfolded was a fashion story built on contrast: structured but sensual, bold yet poetic.
Shot by acclaimed photographer George Q and styled by the ever-imaginative Shawn Ntuli, the editorial draws on the dynamic tension between power and vulnerability—brought to life by model Luyanda Zuma and a beauty team whose artistic synergy elevated each look beyond the expected.
“There was this electric sense of alignment between everyone involved,” George reflects. “From the moment we started setting up, you could feel we were all locked into the same creative frequency.”
This wasn’t simply a shoot—it was a conversation in aesthetics, a quiet rebellion against the idea that femininity must be one thing or the other. It was a study in duality, told through shadow, shape, and silhouettes.
A Fashion Vision in Tension: Softness Meets Strength
With his styling, Shawn Ntuli wove together opposing elements to reflect the multifaceted nature of contemporary femininity. “The styling was guided by a desire to explore contrasts in femininity—from sensuality and softness to structure and power,” he says. “Each look was meant to feel like a visual statement, capturing both vulnerability and dominance in a modern woman.”
The fashion narrative unfolded through edgy silhouettes softened by sheer fabrics, and sculptural garments balanced with intricate textures. One standout ensemble—featuring a sculpted black piece, comic-print tights, and a floral mesh headpiece—captured the core of the editorial’s visual language. “It’s a celebration of cultural depth, regal presence, and the future of fashion through a Black lens,” Shawn explains.
While George initially envisioned a pared-back shoot with monochromatic tones and clean lines, Shawn’s wardrobe sparked a shift. “The wardrobe shifted everything,” George shares. “Shawn’s textures and silhouettes called for something more expressive, so I leaned into moody lighting and layered contrast to mirror the emotion in the garments.”
The result was a seamless evolution of concept—one that allowed intention and improvisation to coexist.
Beauty in Dialogue: Where Glamour Meets Grit
To match the depth and drama of the styling, makeup artist Clara Banx crafted a beauty look layered in contrast. “I was going for something moody, sexy and sultry,” she says. “A matte base with a glossy cheek, an iridescent eye, and soft black liner with a chocolate undertone—it created the perfect tension between subtle and striking.”
For Clara, inspiration often emerges in the moment. “The most magical thing about test shoots is that most looks aren’t planned,” she reveals. “The final direction is usually inspired by the hair or styling—we all feed off each other.”
That mutual inspiration extended to hairstylist Kuda, who translated the moodboard’s drama and elegance into sculptural, feathered forms. “The brief was to go bold in texture while keeping it sophisticated,” she explains. “I played with structured forms around the crown and more organic movement in the ends to create a sense of controlled chaos.”
Her use of soft and hard wire gave volume and shape without disrupting the overall look. “It had to feel high-fashion but grounded—dramatic enough to hold its own, but fluid enough to enhance the mystery.”
For Kuda, hair isn’t just an accessory—it’s narrative. “Hair can shift the entire mood of an editorial,” she says. “It’s a tool to evoke emotion—whether it’s power, softness, or something in between.”
The Rhythm of Real Collaboration
At the heart of the shoot was model Luyanda Zuma, whose presence tied the visuals together with quiet strength. Her ability to adapt and embody each look made her the perfect muse for such a layered concept. “What made this shoot a success was the creative freedom,” Luyanda shares. “Everyone was trusted to bring their magic—and that’s when the real artistry happens.”
This sense of creative trust was the glue. George, who brought the team together, believes that it was the energy on set—more than any single image—that made the shoot truly memorable. “In the end, it wasn’t just about capturing great shots,” he says. “It was about trusting the process. When everyone shows up with that kind of energy, you don’t direct—you just let the vision unfold.”
And unfold it did—with intention, intuition, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, they created something far greater than the sum of its parts: a visual ode to the complexities of femininity, and a reminder that fashion is at its most powerful when it embraces contradiction.
