“Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to tonight’s spectacle Narcisse, brought to you by Filipe Joannes and Salomé Merran. Narcisse is portrayed by Galaad Morin, his beauty drawn by Alesia Solo, Sylvie Vacca’s work of art on his nails, and indispensable assistance from Quan Nguyen. Please note that any recording of this performance is strictly prohibited. This a reminder that smartphones and social media should also be turned off, indefinitely. Thank you, and we hope you enjoy tonight’s performance!” A KALTBLUT exclusive.
This story was created in collaboration between the photographer and set designer, with the idea of framing it aesthetically as if the spectator is watching a play in a theatre hall; at the centre stage is the protagonist, unfolding his particular universe in 10 different acts.
Filipe Joannes is a photographer based in Paris. A background in art direction acceded him to the fashion industry – which led to his applying at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, shaping his structure and knowledge of visual storytelling stated by art, fashion, and beauty – to direct and control the narrative, Filipe then decided to study Photography at New York Film Academy, fulfilling the anatomy of his craft in imagery production.
In his sheer approach to photography, Filipe aims to defy predetermined concepts contributing with an avant-garde manifesto; aligned with his perspective and comprehension of fashion as engineering that moves humanity, framing societies in time and space. In his beliefs, just by challenging opinions and shivering the system, you can move the needle in our contemporary culture.
Salomé Merran is a set designer and art director. She has always been on the plastic side of the force, choosing to study first at ECV (Ecole de Communication Visuel) in Paris with a specialization in art direction then at the Beaux Art in Brussels for decors and stage direction.
As a multi-disciplinary artist, she feels assured working in various fields and is induced by exigent hard work. Salomé’s aesthetic can be translated primarily into abstract and colourful, as seen in her painting – whereas her set designs are galvanized by the graphic side, with a natural and delicate flow.
Today Salomé’s set design works can be seen in commercial campaigns for brands and magazines; she also does sculpture, craftsmanship, jewellery, and photography to pursue her artistry. In a continual movement, she also offers workshops in her own atelier in Paris.
Photography by Filipe Joannes / www.filipe-joannes.com / Instagram: @FilipeJoannes
Set Design by Salomé Merran / Instagram: @Salome.Merran
The model is Galaad Morin signed at Mademoiselle Agency / www.mademoiselleagency.fr / Instagram: @GalaadMorin @MlleAgency
Make Up & Hair by Alesia Solo / www.alesiasolomakeupartist.com / Instagram: @AlesiaSolo_Muah
Nails by Sylvie Vacca / www.cameleongles.com / Instagram: @NailsbySylvieVacca
Photo Assistance by Quan Nguyen / www.fevrierphoto.com / Instagram: @ParisPhotographer.Fevrier
Special Thanks to Arturo Obegero and Totem Fashion / Instagram: @Turo.Obegero and @Totem_Fashion
Brands used are Alexander McQueen, Arturo Obegero, Emilio Cavallini, Givenchy, Nicholas Kirkwood, Saint Laurent, Salomé Charly, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Yie Kim.
Instagram name of each brand: @AlexanderMcqueen @ArturoObegero @EmilioCavallini @Givenchy @NicholasKirkwood @YSL @SalomeCharlyCousseau @Ferragamo @YieKimOfficial