All photography by Francesca Allen for SLEEK 63.
For the autumn edition of SLEEK, out now, we commissioned British photographer, Francesca Allen, renowned for her luminous depictions of female friendship, to photograph model-of-the-moment Tin Gao—hailed by Vogue as the “‘Anti’ Model Challenging Fashion’s Beauty Norms”. The result is a gorgeous story set against non-descript bedrooms and the recognisable mundanity of London streets punctuated with the brilliant red of its buses. Mixing and matching each other’s clothes, the images are as playful and fresh as they are irresistible.
We asked Francesca what it was like to work Tin and Francesca sat down with Tin to find out her thoughts.
SLEEK: What story do these images convey for you?
Francesca Allen: For me, the images feel more about breaking down boundaries between myself and Tin, getting to know each other through the medium of photography and becoming friends through that. A story of two strangers, who would not otherwise be friends, meeting and learning about each other. I like to explore the idea of whether a photograph can be a true representation of someone. Tin styled herself using her own clothing, and also a few items from my own wardrobe. I feel like we got to know each other very intimately and in a very quick period of time.
Francesca Allen: What was it like working together on this project?
Tin Gao: It’s like friends spending time hanging out and have fun together. We’re exploring each other’s wardrobe, kind of. Finding the different personality by styling clothes in different ways.
Do you like having your photograph taken? How does it feel to have so many photos of you, and do they ever feel like a true representation of you?
I love photographs, which I would like to explore the difference of myself and document it. They are all my memories. I would say every photo contains true (version) of me, depends on different moods, slightly or majorly.
How does it feel to be 20-years-old in today’s society? Do you feel different now than when you were a teenager?
I feel grateful. No much different, just more responsibilities, but as myself, I’m still a teenager
What was it like growing up in China?
I feel thankful and grateful (about) the period of time in China of course, which made me now.
What was it like moving to London from China? How was it adjusting to life here? Do you think it made you grow up quickly?
Honestly, not much difference, it’s fun to feel the same and finding gap between both countries. I would say (it made me) experiment more. I’m not sure about ‘growing up’ quickly.
Tell me about your life—what do you do? What are your dreams?
I’m doing my art projects and works always and researching at this moment. I’d love to knitting and crocheting, or making some random bits in my spare time. My dream: following the star.
This article was originally published in SLEEK 63, out now!
All photography by Francesca Allen.
Model: Tin Gao.