Nica
A visual essay Nica, directed and photographed by Suus Waijers, is a mixed media project that comes to blur the boundaries of the body and create a more abstract sensation. Suus explains, “Using the body as a landscape, where it's no longer seen as an object, led to a more abstract interpretation of it.”
The exploration is of movement of the body in sensual and feminine garments created by emerging designers, carefully chosen by Marijn Speijer, the stylist, that the model Nica takes to a powerful interpretation. Hair and makeup performed by Dani Fuerza focus on creating luminous, glowing skin driving attention to Nica’s eyes while emphasizing the energy of the model. In this story, the body becomes a material molded into different shapes through movement and stillness, captivating the eye of the viewer through natural beauty. We speak with the team and their experience working on set together, allowing for experimenting on set to achieve a magnetic visual result.
Art Direction and Photography Suus Waijers Styling by Marijn Speijer Make-up and Hair by Dani Fuerza Model Nica Gimenez Riera Clothes Paulina Meyle 032C Studio Nani
‘The most enjoyable part is actually leaving an opportunity for success and error since, in the end, it will always be a collaboration throughout that day.’
— Suus Waijers
Suus
Nica is a visual essay that explores the collision between movement and stillness. We had a very specific concept for the shoot with an uncomplicated yet still impactful idea. We wanted to celebrate the body in a very abstract way. When we started, we decided to leave room for a more experimental approach later in the day. When I shoot free work with a crew, this is something that always happens. The most enjoyable part is actually leaving an opportunity for success and error since, in the end, it will always be a collaboration throughout that day. We constructed the story with garments carefully chosen by Marijn, working with the movements and experimenting with various makeup looks to create the scenario. Using the body as a landscape, where it's no longer seen as an object, led to a more abstract interpretation of it.
This photo shoot was unique in Nica's eyes. She had to let go of a few habits, and as a result, the shoot took on a unique meaning for all of us. Letting go, experimenting with motion and stillness. I decided to use mixed media, which helped me connect all the dots. By choosing this, I made room for mistakes and unexpected outcomes.
‘The contrast between glowing skin and powdery eye makeup created a balanced and visually captivating look. The radiant complexion served as a backdrop, allowing the eyes to shine without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.’
— Dani Fuerza
Dani Fuerza
The makeup created for WÜL Magazine’s editorial combined a radiant, glowing complexion with powdery eye makeup, resulting in a harmonious and captivating aesthetic. Let’s explore the details of this enchanting makeup look.
The focus was on achieving luminous skin with a dewy finish. A lightweight, illuminating primer and a sheer foundation created a flawless canvas. Liquid highlighter added dimension to the high points of the face, while a touch of cream blush provided a fresh and youthful glow. Contrasting with the radiant skin, the eyes showcased a powdery and ethereal allure. Soft, neutral eyeshadows were blended for a sheer, dusty effect. A smudged kohl pencil and lengthening mascara added subtle intensity while maintaining the powdery texture.
The contrast between glowing skin and powdery eye makeup created a balanced and visually captivating look. The radiant complexion served as a backdrop, allowing the eyes to shine without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
‘The outfit features rounded curves, soft-looking fabrics, and graceful silhouettes. These emphasize the feminine. The harsh lines and uneven finishes symbolize the power linked with Nica's embodiment.’
— Marijn Speijer
Marijn Speijers
The aim of the styling was to highlight the beauty of Nica's body. Her contours and curves served as the foundation. Her body is covered by clothing that is designed to fall gently. The outfit features rounded curves, soft-looking fabrics, and graceful silhouettes. These emphasize the feminine. The harsh lines and uneven finishes symbolize the power linked with Nica's embodiment. All clothing is sourced from emerging designers who employ natural materials in their manufacturing. Take, for example, the items from Studio Nani, which are provided with their color and patterns by using the pigment of flowers.
