A KALTBLUT exclusive. The models are Gaia Fernandez, Bradley Cloete and Cristino Reigo De Dios. Creative Direction & Styling by Mohammed Waalid. Photography by Tiago Croucamp. With a distinct creative voice that blends sophistication and bold commentary, Mohammed Waalid is quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most exciting young creatives. Based in Johannesburg, Waalid is a creative director, stylist and SA Fashion Week designer with a deep passion for storytelling through fashion. His work resonates with a genuine curiosity about the human experience, inviting audiences to explore identity, beauty, and the complexities of self-image in a fresh, evocative way.
Waalid’s latest editorial, “Doctored”, pulls viewers into a surreal, clinical world where the fragile boundary between artifice and reality becomes hauntingly blurred. This conceptual narrative unfolds in a setting marked by shadowed lighting and a cool, almost hypnotic atmosphere. Each look—featuring garments by acclaimed designers Viviers, Thula Sindi, Michael Ludwig Studio, Imprint, and Waalid —presents a deliberate air of control, reflecting how beauty standards can shape and distort self-perception. The “Doctored” editorial encourages viewers to confront the allure of transformation, examining the beauty industry’s influence on identity and authenticity. It’s a thought-provoking journey that questions: How much of ourselves do we present, and how much do we conceal?
Creative Direction & Styling by Mohammed Waalid / Instagram: @waalid_unofficial
Photography by Tiago Croucamp / Instagram: @trasher_photography
Hair and assistant stylist by Nthlari Baloyi / Instagram: @nthlari.baloyi
Makeup by Bontle Nxumalo / Instagram: @bqt.mua
Makeup Assistance by Noura Ghoor / Instagram: @nouraghoor
Assistant to Creative Director Keegan Urquhart / Instagram: @keegan.urquhart_
Assistant to Creative Director Imaan Omar / Instagram: @i.m.x.x.n
Models are Gaia Fernandez of ICE Models / Instagram: @gaiafernandez @icemodelsjhb
Cristino Reigo De Dios of Boss Models / Instagram: @luke.ness @bossmodelsjhb
Bradley Cloete of Aura Models / Instagram: @bradelwaddel @auramodelsza
Fashion Brands used are: Viviers Studio, Thula Sindi, Africa Rise, Michael Ludwig Studio, Imprint, and Waalid
Instagram name of each brand: @viviers.studio @thulasindi @africarisestore @michaelludwigstudio @imprint_za @waalid_official
