Based on a true story.
Click images to enlarge.
From the beginning, i-D have documented street style and insisted time and again that the most stylish, most original codes of dress come from the bottom up. Photographer Edd Horder has been trying to represent Mafa, a performance artist he has watched from a distance, for a while now. After getting to know Mafa and trying out some portraits, Edd decided the best way forward was to create a story inspired by Mafa’s 70s, reggae style. Edd explains it better…
“The inspiration behind this shoot came from a performance artist by the name of Mafa who resides at Tower Hill tube station. Over the years, his characters have changed, from playing the guitar to holding an upturned canvas. He has an attitude about him that we tried to show in this shoot – a very steely attitude that is almost disengaging. Walking past him everyday and occasionally giving him money made me wonder who he was and about his story. On getting to know him, I found he has a very kind nature, but he still was not happy to have his photo taken. So we’ve tried to look at his musical character and recreate something with a similar vibe.”
Text: Sarah Raphael
Photography: Edd Horder
Stylist: Peter Aluuan
Hair: Kota Suizu – balcony jump
Make-up: Gina Blondell
Model: Henry @ Select
From left: Look 1: T-shirt Lanvin. Necklace from Ridley Road Market. Look 2: T-shirt and Trousers Nike. Poloneck vintage Vivienne Westwood MAN. Jacket Storm in a Teacup. Rhino Ring Super Fertile. All other rings Kyle Hopkins. Look 3: Top and Trousers Adidas. T-shirt DKNY. Jewellery from Ridley Road Market. Rings as before. Look 4: Jumper and Shorts Umit Benan. Shirt Storm in a Teacup. Jewellery Ridley Road Market. Rings as before.
