The Melanin Vanguard
Left – Shirt & blazer : Natasha @natasha.studio Pants: Marina Leight @marinaleight Hat and glasses: Adriana Carreno Boutique @adrianacarrenostylist Shoes: Puma @puma | Shirt & pants: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi Hat Bag: Qoffah @qoffah
The Melanin Vanguard is a continuation of the work I started with Metallic Melanin, which got published in Harper’s Bazaar. That shoot was about celebrating Black skin using metallics and texture. This time, I wanted to build on that and bring in Black dandyism, a style that’s sharp, intentional, and about making a statement. The Melanin Vanguard is about a new generation of Black identity and self-expression. It’s clean, confident, and not afraid to take up space. Every look connects to the past but also speaks to where we’re going. This shoot is about more than fashion. It’s about showing up with pride, taking control of the narrative, and being seen. As a young Black photographer, dandyism to me means not following the rules people put on you. It’s about standing on your own, dressing how you want, and owning it with confidence.
A word from the stylist: “What black dandyism means to me is the right to express the flamboyant and beauty spirit of the African American culture”
A word from the model: “I wear suits occasionally, but each time it’s more than just looks it’s a feeling. Wearing tailored clothes gives me presence and shows dedication to myself and my culture. Black dandyism is about turning style into power, flipping the script to express who I am loud and clear. I’m not dressing to blend in, but to stand out and tell a story. Even for special occasions, when suited up, I feel connected and like I represent something bigger than myself.”
Photographer: Eric J. Moore Jr. @Pclipsphotography Model: Trevor Dames @trevor1x from The Option Agency @theoptionagency Stylist: Sebastian Carreno @carreno.rada Makeup Artist: Nina Gorlushko @ninagorlushko Videographer: Ralphy Valle @ralphyvalley Classic Car Themis Z. Glatman Photo Assistant: Christopher Vorise
Shirt & pants: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi| White shirt & Pink Jumper: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi Shoes: Zara @zara Hat: Adriana carreno boutique @adrianacarrenostylist
Glasses: GLCO @sr316 Necklace: Vintage Fusion @vintagefushionjewelry Shirt: Cloudz @cloudzla Coat: Vintage Unsigned @veronicaunsigned Pant: Paper Machine @papermachine_ Shoes: Zara @zara
Shirt & blazer : Natasha @natasha.studio Pant: Marina Leight @marinaleight Hat and glasses: Adriana Carreno Boutique Shoes: Puma @puma | White shirt & Pink Jumper: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi Shoes: Zara @zara Hat: Adriana carreno boutique @adrianacarrenostylist
Shirt & blazer : Natasha @natasha.studio Pant: Marina Leight @marinaleight Hat and glasses: Adriana Carreno Boutique | Shirt & pants: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi Hat Bag: Qoffah @qoffah Shoes: Zara @zara
White shirt & Pink Jumper: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi Shoes: Zara @zara Hat: Adriana carreno boutique @adrianacarrenostylist Bag: Qoffah @qoffah
Glasses: GLCO Necklace: Vintage Fusion @vintagefushionjewelry Shirt: Cloudz @cloudzla Coat: Vintage Unsigned @veronicaunsigned Pant: Paper Machine @papermachine_ Shoe: Zara
White shirt & Pink Jumper: Maison Audmi @maisonaudmi Shoes: Zara @zara Hat: Adriana carreno boutique @adrianacarrenostylist bag Qoffah @qoffah