Editorial published in CONKER’s, GROWING PAINS, Spring issue in 2019.
After having seen model and activist, Shankar Jalota at the Rebecca Violette fashion show that CONKER was invited to in June 2018, I decided that I wanted to work with him for a CONKER shoot. I had also really wanted to work with the amazing Grace Latter. So, when the chance arose to style and interview them both for the GROWING PAINS issue, I ran with it!
For the styling, I wanted to create something slightly different to the other covers. Of course I wanted the textures, colour blocking and the exaggerated silhouettes, but I also wanted to to create something a little darker. The first two issues, A REBIRTH and RISE had been about flourishing and getting to that point of freedom in a struggle. However, with the GROWING PAINS issue I wanted to look at the pain and graft that leads to those moments of exuberance and happiness. This experience can be described as nothing less than growing pains! And as we know, through community and companionship, this experience of growth is made more bearable for the most part.
Therefore, for the Together We Bloom shoot, I wanted to go with warmth (created by the surrounding colours and shades of the leaves and trees), and more Gothic shades for the majority of the clothing. I chose stunning handmade pieces by the wonderful brand, Never Subtle. The gold belts made beautiful accompaniments to the textured and tailored black dresses, shirts and skirts for Grace and Sarah. I felt that Grace had a distinct ‘young Sinéad O’Connor’ vibe when wearing any of the high necked pieces!
Meanwhile, Shankar, wore some black skinny jeans (his own) and a beautiful hand dyed top which was printed with the word compassion in the shape of a smile. The top is from the ethical Care Wears brand and as part of the advertising for the brand, I was to use a piece of clothing on the cover. This shirt worked exceedingly well and helped bring that message of compassion and togetherness home. A really glorious and warming shoot!
The photographer, the magazine and I are against excessive editing of bodies.
This editorial was also used for the GROWING PAINS cover.
Please find the full editorial, my article write up, the CONKER cover images, and the spreads from CONKER below.
Credits
Publication: CONKER magazine
Photography and editing: REGA Photography
MUA: Bjorn Daniel
Models: Shankar Jalota, Grace Latter & Sarah Botten
Clothing: Never Subtle & Care Wears
Styling, words and concept: Cat van Maanen
Together We Bloom, full editorial
Together We Bloom, article write up
The full article and interviews can be found in the GROWING PAINS issue.
For our GROWING PAINS issue, CONKER had the privilege and delight of working with and interviewing the incredible Shankar Jalota; known online as the Vitiligo Man; and Grace Latter who is role model, survivor, book worm and kickass power lady combined.
When we each think of growth, we think of a range of experiences and values. By which I mean, ‘growth’ as a concept and term differs greatly depending on who you are and where you are in life. For one person it might mean letting go of toxicity, for another it might mean letting someone in. Whatever your definition is, growth is a group effort. We must have compassion for every single person we meet and interact with, no matter the depth of the interaction. As with a flower blooming, the seedling requires not only its own strength, but that of the soil, water, the sun and the
air in order to grow.
There’s a universal truth in the healing powers of companionship and the soothing qualities of having a compassionate shoulder to lean on. It is important to note that whilst aging isn’t optional, growth is. It can be pretty scary, but luckily it isn’t a task that has to be carried out alone.
Here to share their own experiences with growth, our CONKER cover humans, Grace and Shankar, discuss how they have overcome even the most challenging of times in their lives so far.
Homecoming , spreads in CONKER, GROWING PAINS. March ’19
GROWING PAINS cover images
Cat van Maanen 