A KALTBLUT exclusive by Chen Li and Huang YuXing. The story reflects on life in an era overwhelmed by information and symbols, where identity is constantly shaped by media, trends, and social expectations. Inspired by the idea of “amusing ourselves to death”, the editorial explores how our perception of self and relationships can become increasingly performative within a culture of spectacle.
Set around a surreal dinner table, the characters appear composed and elegant, yet a subtle sense of tension slowly disrupts the scene. A quiet moment of disorder reveals the fragility of these carefully constructed social rituals. Through excess, stillness, and symbolic gestures, the editorial visualises a silent rebellion against imposed identities, exploring the delicate boundary between performance and authenticity in contemporary life.
Art director: Chen Li / @atelier_chenliz
Photography by: Huang YuXing / @yuxingwng
Makeup by: Nicole Munoz / @__nikkimu__
Marika Montesano / @muarika_
Sara Cecchi / _cecchi.sara_
Styling: Alessia / @_cificaisalien
Talents: Chen Li / @chen_liz
Luna Guo / @luna__guo
Sofia Cheyenne / @sofia_tirelli
Sonia Torracchi / @soniatorracchii
Mattia Eredi: / @mattia_ere
Ayoub Ben / @ayyooouuuubbbbb
Moii Ramirezz / @moi.ramirezz
Assistant: Zhang Yumeng / @violettawithoutta
Wang Hongjuan / @chuanc0
Brands: @niccolopasqualetti @noellmaggini
Location: @thehoxtonhotel
@enoteca.violetta
Special thanks to: @newlineacademy
@tobiacozzoli
@mynameisblessed
@gregoriovietina
