Back to the Future
An editorial nod to the glamorous excess of the past with a wink to the rebellion of today.
When a talented music video stylist, Nadya Vlasova, asked me to photograph Asta Sigvaldadottir, a ballroom and Latin dance champion from Iceland, the goal was simple: Let’s tell a story. The entire concept, styling, and choice of locations were Nadya’s vision—I simply stepped in to capture the narrative she created.
We photographed in a Brooklyn studio on a day that felt almost cinematic. The wind outside was fierce and icy, cutting through the industrial streets as I made my way there. But inside, the story was different. The sun was blindingly bright, and as soon as I opened the curtains, golden light flooded the space. No studio lights—just the sun, which I love working with the most. It reflected everywhere—on the gold bathtub, on the checkered floor, and most strikingly, in Asta’s eyes. Her gaze, light blue like ice cubes, shimmered in the sunlight, creating a kind of magic that no setup could replicate. She had that superstar energy—present without effort.
The first look had all the elements of an editorial fashion photoshoot: all black with bold gold details, a mysterious black veil, and a gold bathtub gleaming under the natural light. The black-and-white checkered floor beneath it all? A subtle wink. Luxury with a punchline—opulence, but don’t take it too seriously. Think ’80s Yves Saint Laurent campaigns, where glamour met a knowing smile.
The second look flipped the script—loud, playful, and a little rebellious. Neon mint skirt, pink shaggy jacket, silver chains, and sunglasses. The setting? A toilet. Perfectly provocative. It could be Balenciaga-meets-Versace for the TikTok generation. The vibe? Music video nostalgia from the late ’80s and early ’90s—bold, carefree, and a little ironic.
Asta’s background in ballroom and Latin dance brought a confident edge to the frame—every pose intentional, every glance playful.
Is it high fashion? Music video revival? Or simply a reminder that style always circles back—only bolder, brighter, and with a knowing smirk?
Style, Concept, Hair & Makeup: Nadya Vlasova https://www.instagram.com/nadyavls/
Model: Asta Sigvaldadottir https://www.instagram.com/astasig/
