A KALTBLUT exclusive editorial about redefining beauty and enjoying our uniqueness by stripping away rules, expectations, and imposed narratives. It captures seven different femininities during an all-day pool party, enjoying themselves while revealing their distinctive styles. Creative Direction, Production & Styling by Maria Gkin. Photography by Eliza Poultidou. The models are Vanessa Otilia, Cyka, Alvina Chamberland and Angelica Komninak.
The concept examines the thin line between what is seen as “acceptable” and what has been labelled “ugly” or “immoral”, explored through each woman’s personal story. Textures, colours, makeup and styling come together, breaking down stereotypes and highlighting fashion as a means of freedom and having fun.
The title of the editorial, “Aphrodie”, comes from the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the symbol of beauty, combined with the word “die.” It represents the death of old rules, criticism, and expectations, and the desire to reimagine beauty.
How we look or what we wear should not be judged, as they are tools that help us express who we are. While this is a fundamental human right, it still needs to be reclaimed in our everyday lives in Greece and in many other parts of the world. This is why my team and I felt a strong urge to highlight this message through this photoshoot.
This project aims not to provoke but to liberate, because true aesthetic value arises when expression embraces authenticity.
About
Maria Gkini, also known as Tzini, is a Greek multidisciplinary artist and fashion creative based in Athens. With a background in fine and applied arts, she works across creative direction, styling, and production for fashion photography. For her, crafting an image from scratch is similar to painting, where models, clothing, and accessories replace brushes and paint. Her distinctive approach brings vibrant, dynamic compositions to life, merging artistry with fashion in every project. She enjoys challenging conventional norms and celebrating individuality, pushing the boundaries of beauty standards.
Creative Direction, Production & Styling by Maria Gkini / www.mariagkini-tzini.com / @x_tzini_x
Photography by Eliza Poultidou / www.elizapoultidou.com / @eliza_poultidou
Styling assistance: Angelica Mouchsieva / @Angelica_mouchsieva
Production assistance: Angelos Gkinis / @krakentos_
Make-up by Georgina Petrou / @georginaaamakeup, Paraskevi Chourtsidou / @voula_chourts
Hair by Antonia Barba / @_mpouuu , Christos Nasto / @christos.nasto
Nails: @supernova_nails_ , @gleam_and_polished , @vipersvenom.nails , @alaska.nails.skg
Models: Vanessa Otilia / @vaneotilia , Cyka / @cykadelablyat , Alvina Chamberland / @alvinachamberland ,
Angelica Komninaki / @angelica_komn
