Taking the risk — Delali Ayivi Taking the risk

TOP Chet Lo provided by 50m JEANS Faustine Steinmetz provided by 50m EARRING Stylist's own

The difference between failure and success isn’t always immediately apparent and more often than not is entirely predicated on the observer’s subjectivity. Photographer, Delali Ayivi explains that “the willingness to take the risk between failure and success and the not-always-obvious reward of acquired knowledge” is often hard-earned currency. For Ayivi, “spontaneity and dependence on chance are vital components of experimentation”. She elaborates that “when creating commissioned work it is easier to take a safe, non-experimental route”. Indeed, being situated in a state of flux offers an environment of transformation. Perhaps what becomes more important than arriving at a definitive point and labelling it as a failure or success, is an appreciation of the continuous transition between the two. A label is fixed, whereas transition, by its nature, is fluid—and according to Ayivi, it is the movement of risk-taking that will allow us to stay in full flight.

Anesu - BODYSUIT Miu Miu, ACCESSORIES Stylist's own.

(Left) Anesu - DRESS Mimi Wade, BAG Rejina Pyo, SHOES Western Affair, HEADPIECE Stylist's own. Coumba - KNIT VEST, CARDIGAN AND SKIRT Ashley Williams, SHOES Western Affair, HEADPIECE Stylist's own. (Right) Anesu - FULL LOOK Louis Vuitton.