According to Berlin-based Argentine photographer Matias Alfonzo the paintings of Polish-French modern artist Balthus were an inspiration for his fashion story, I walk with those who choose fire. “I was very inspired by the idea of having different characters as in his paintings—in the same scene—minding their own business,” he says. Alfonzo was also inspired by poetry, life in Berlin and photographers he admires such as Harley Weir.
Shot against the wallpapered backdrop of the photographer’s apartment in the heart of the German capital, the space lends the shoot an intriguing quality—where is it? Together with the story’s stylist Lawrence Adu, Alfonzo has an interest in Afro culture and this was an initial motivation for the story. After spending a month casting models for the shoot—some of them friends, including the son of a friend—they finally got together to create this moody and compelling story that mixes sports-luxe, experimental neons and clubwear with glamorous evening attire, all shot on analogue.
Taking inspiration from the myth of Prometheus, the title of the editorial is rooted in the photographer’s personal decision to leave his life in Buenos Aires and build something new in a foreign city. “Prometheus steals the wisdom of the arts, along with the fire, from Hephaestus and Athena and offers it as a gift to mankind. This is what I meant by ‘I walk with those who choose fire’.”
CREDITS
Photography: Matias Alfonzo
Styling: Lawrence Adu
Hair and Make up: Melissa Righi
Models: Noriah Santos (Iconic Management), Brenda Mutton (PRM Model Agency London), Akin Victor (Seeds Models), Whitney Kialai, Ben Andrews and Trevor.