Amid bustling commuters and speeding trains, Berlin-based photographer Rachel Israela captured a glimpse of a young woman finding her place in this world in The Passenger: A train to nowhere — an exclusive fashion story for SLEEK. Set against the familiar dreary landscape of the German transport system — empty bus shelters, old Deutsche Bahn train cabins and railway platforms — the story conveys a nostalgic sense of longing and waiting for something to happen.
“Our story is influenced by the thought of breaking out of everyday life and boredom of a young woman. Roadtrip movies of the early ’90s inspired us with strong personalities such as Thelma and Louise, also in terms of the lighting environment and the relationship between the viewer and the model,” Israela tells SLEEK of the inspiration behind the series. “We liked the idea of catching the vintage vibe of an old ICE [inter-city express trains] also,” notes Israela about her choice of setting for the story.
While the overall styling — wild hair, oversized accessories and modest feminine dress — combined with the soft-focus of the medium format film suggest a wistful near-past, there is also a sense of power and agency as the protagonist willfully embarks on a journey of her own. “The idea of traveling alone or escaping the humdrum of daily life seems really powerful to my team and I — same as breaking the rules and doing your thing,” says Israela. “At the same time, we would like to show a woman who’s this strong person and I liked the idea that she is wearing high fashion and whatever she wants on that journey.”
See the full story below:
Credits
Photographer: Rachel Israela
Stylist: Iri Ni
Model: Sara Al-Shaalan @ Tigers MGMT
Hair and makeup: Natalia Vermeer