What is beauty? In the Winter issue of IMAGE Magazine, on sale now, creative director Lawson Mpame and director Itchey Drew capture a diverse and unique collective whose lives and industries have been individually shaped by perceptions of beauty, including model Mathias Teko Foley, who shares how his journey with beauty has changed and evolved his perspective and what beauty means to him.
Creative Director’s Notes
The Colour Of Beauty
“The body artwork is a representation of the many people with albinism around the world who share this unique trait and how they are still a part of the human race. It’s about acceptance, love, compassion and inclusion. In some parts of the world, they are subjected to horrific treatment and in some cases even death. We wanted this to highlight that just because they may lack the pigmentation it doesn’t mean they are not a part of us, that they aren’t beautiful and that they shouldn’t be championed.”– Lawson Mpame and Itchey Drew
Where do you see or find beauty in your life?
I try to approach the world with an open mind and appreciate the diversity within it. I often see beauty in nature, cultures, music, art and people.
What does the word “beauty” mean to you?
I believe the word “beauty” is incredibly subjective, what is beautiful to me might not be beautiful to my neighbour. If we talk about “beauty” in relation to people, the word is often used to define a person’s appearance and whether or not this appearance is appreciated by society’s standards. In my opinion beauty is more than that, it’s just as much about a person’s character and unique physical features which makes them stand out in one way or another – being able to be comfortable yourself in your own skin is beautiful.
What has been your personal journey with your own beauty?
My mum’s white and from Denmark and my dad is black and from Togo in West Africa. I was born with albinism, which is quite an unusual combination in Denmark, especially in the small town I grew up. From an early age, I felt a lack of belonging. My albinism and African features made me stand out, and as much as I wanted to fit in and feel normal, I never succeeded. My brother, who sadly passed away when I was a kid, also had albinism and was the sole person I could relate to at the time, it was an incredibly frustrating time where I often was seen as a very pale white kid and people rarely noticed my African features. For some people, my broad nose gave it away. I began to rebel against the norm and spent my childhood and teenage years chasing uniqueness through the way I dressed, my hairstyles and my hobbies. My own perception of beauty changed when I started doing photography and began to appreciate physical features.
Did anything change about your approach to beauty while you were on this project?
I felt a huge sense of appreciation for my own appearance and flaws while being part of this project, it was a great experience being part of a project that shines light on the importance of inclusivity and diversity and to be surrounded by other inspiring individuals who are all beautiful in their own skin.
What is your favourite thing about yourself?
I love the way I approach the world with an open mind, I am very empathetic and appreciate my physical appearance.
Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to stop worrying about fitting in and be happy about the way I look, I am more than enough.
What’s the one thing you find very beautiful or attractive in others?
When people rest in their own skin, are curious about the world and approach it with an open mind and see and respect differences in people and make an effort to understand others.
What do you love about yourself?
I am good at listening and understand other people situation and needs.
Creative direction Lawson Mpame. Director Itchey Drew. Photography by Wiktoria Bialas and Mark Sosiak. Art Director: Lawson Mpame, Director of photography: Itchey Drew. Lighting: Mark Sosiak, lighting assistants: Denise Kavunov and Fabiola Melo. Stylist: Lorna Spaine. Hair: Maria Whiting. Make-up: Jessy Malone. Choreographer: Jessie Thompson. Runner: Max Korol. Location: D-Light Studios. Set: Ten Four and We Are Platinum. Clothing: French Connection and Primark. Special thanks to Camerakit.ie.
IMAGE Winter 2023
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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