Sofia Christof is a luxury prêt-à-porter brand that embodies the Greek savoir vivre—a way of life defined by effortless elegance, presence, and the art of contrast. Designed for women who command their space with quiet power and fearless confidence, the brand merges refined Italian craftsmanship with a sensibility that is both enigmatic and assertive.
In an age where high-definition clarity dominates photography, Andrey Makalkin deliberately embraces distortion, digital noise, and soft focus to create an alternative visual language. Born in 1997 in the Moscow region, Makalkin’s journey began with a passion for photography and digital collages, leading him to study cinematography at VGIK, one of Russia’s most prestigious film schools. His artistic evolution took an unexpected turn as he fused his love for art history, painting, and experimental techniques to redefine contemporary photography.
Through series like „Unsettling Things“, which explores childhood fears through an eerie yet poetic lens, and „Myths“, where he reinterprets ancient narratives through fractured reflections and vibrant hues, Makalkin challenges our perception of reality. His works, shot on a mobile phone and meticulously altered in post-production, blur the line between photography and painting.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into Makalkin’s creative process, his fascination with imperfection, and the symbolic layers hidden within his work. How does he see digital noise as an expressive tool rather than a flaw? What myths does he believe deserve a contemporary visual revival? And if he could photograph an emotion rather than a subject, how would he bring it to life?
Text Irina Rusinovich
Nikita Nomerz transforms urban decay into vibrant, living canvases. Known for his unique approach to street art, this Russian artist breathes life into abandoned structures by turning them into expressive faces and characters, often using windows and cracks to form eyes and mouths. Nomerz’s journey, which began in Nizhny Novgorod, has taken him around the world, where his work interacts with the environment in ways that blend art, architecture, and storytelling. His internationally recognized Living Walls project is a testament to his ability to fuse street art with the history and spirit of the spaces he occupies.
In this interview, Nomerz talks about his creative process, his philosophy on bringing forgotten spaces back to life, and how street art serves as a dynamic conversation between artist, architecture, and the public
If your photographs could whisper secrets to their viewers, what would they reveal about the places and people they capture?
My photographs would whisper “there’s a lot we can learn about ‘the other’ and about ourselves from people and places of the past and the present. That we’re all fundamentally the same. If we take the time to look carefully, we’ll find extraordinary beauty embedded within the ordinary.”
Your work often reimagines historical sites—if you could time travel to one of them before it became a landmark, what moment would you capture, and why?
I’m starting a National Park Service commission to photograph George Washington’s birthplace in Virginia. If I could travel back in time to that place, I’d create an artistic photographic documentary series about Washington so that we can get a better sense of how his upbringing shaped his character. As the military commander of the American Revolution, he voluntarily stepped away from power at the conclusion of the war. Washington also admonished an army colonel for advising that he be made the “King” of America. Finally, after two terms as president, Washington chose to not seek reelection. Washington’s strong moral convictions, exceptional leadership skills, and commitment to public service should be the model followed in Washington, DC, and in seats of power around the world.
From the quiet landscapes of America’s National Parks to the bustling streets of the world’s great cities, Xiomaro’s lens captures more than just images—it tells stories. As an internationally exhibited artist and curator, his work breathes new life into historic sites, documenting their cultural and natural significance while also preserving candid moments of urban life as future history.
Commissioned by the National Park Service and featured in prestigious exhibitions across the U.S., Europe, and China, Xiomaro’s photography has drawn the attention of The New York Times, the Boston Globe, and major news networks like CBS and ABC. His journey, however, is as compelling as his work. Once a corporate litigator and entertainment attorney, a life-changing battle with cancer led him to find solace and purpose in photography. Now, through his art, writing, and upcoming books on street photography, he continues to frame the world with a unique perspective that merges history, philosophy, and personal transformation.
In this interview, Xiomaro shares insights into his creative process, his passion for preservation, and the profound experiences that shaped his artistic vision.
Shot in Basel, Switzerland, February 16th 2025.
K A T A R Z Y N A K A R L E N
Polish photographer, born in 1978, graduated in 2002 in Marketing Management. After more than a 12 years’ career as a creative director in Polish advertising agencies in Cracow, where she honed her skills and nurtured her love for visual arts, she made the life-changing decision to dedicate herself to professional photography. This journey led her in 2016 to Spain, where she took her first steps as a photographer, immersing herself in the craft and discovering her individual unique style. Three years later, driven by an insatiable desire for new experiences she relocated to Denmark. During her time in Copenhagen she collaborated with Danish model agencies, shot editorials and undertook commercial projects. Currently, she is based in Switzerland, working with model agencies in Zurich developing her distinct artistic visions.
Moods of Calla” is a visual ode to the duality of womanhood—where strength and softness coexist effortlessly. Inspired by the calla lily, this series explores the delicate yet structured nature of femininity. Shot on both digital and analogue, with varied lighting techniques, each frame reflects a different facet of a woman’s essence—gentle yet resilient, romantic yet unwavering. Like the calla’s graceful bloom and steadfast stem, women embody a quiet power that is both striking and timeless. Dedicated to Women’s Day, this work celebrates the beauty of contrasts that define us
Fragile Ruptures” explores the tension between constraint and liberation, fragility and resilience. The series captures moments of bodies breaking through delicate barriers—fabric-like membranes that both conceal and reveal, resist and yield. Each image embodies a metamorphic state, where form dissolves and reforms, questioning the boundaries between presence and absence, control and surrender. This visual narrative reflects the perpetual cycle of fragmentation and transformation, where destruction is not an end but a passage to something new
PASSION FOR PASSION
Photographer & Art Direction – CHRISTINA KAPONGO
Make-up & Hair – MIRIAM ALVAREZ
Model – PERLA MICKEVICUITE
Model Agency– MAD MODELS MANAGEMENT
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As cliche as it may sound, I have always been connected to art and creativity. Joining the fashion industry from the age of 16 was a major turning point for me, from when I was able to discover and explore this passion in a very special journey, as I also discovered myself and the world around me. After years, I realized that I am meant to be on both sides of the lens and chose to switch my focus. Ever since, I have immersed myself in every possible facet of the industry and finally landed on what I now know my calling is – to be inspired, create and give this inspiration back with my very own identity and vision through creative/art direction.
My art direction is a blend of timeless minimalism and bold storytelling, where fashion transcends mere clothing to become a reflection of our Zeitgeist through culture and expression. Inspired by the iconic elegance of the 80s and 90s and the raw intimacy of documentary style, I create elevated, fashion-forward visuals with unexpected, eccentric touches. Drawing from brands as Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus, The Row, Coperni, Helmut Lang, Ann Demeulemeester, Maison Margiela and Lemaire, as well as creatives like Carlijn Jacobs, Nadia Lee Cohen, Ilya Lipkin and David Sims, I aim to craft narratives that explore deeper layers of society and humanity. My work seeks to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting imprint.
The one thing I make sure to live by and express in my work and creative approach is that beauty is everywhere. Noticing is becoming less and less of a standard, and I want to bring it back. The unknown excites me – observing, connecting, feeling, learning and changing is what makes life meaningful to me and is what I constantly try to showcase and encourage through my art
As cliche as it may sound, I have always been connected to art and creativity. Joining the fashion industry from the age of 16 was a major turning point for me, from when I was able to discover and explore this passion in a very special journey, as I also discovered myself and the world around me. After years, I realized that I am meant to be on both sides of the lens and chose to switch my focus. Ever since, I have immersed myself in every possible facet of the industry and finally landed on what I now know my calling is – to be inspired, create and give this inspiration back with my very own identity and vision through creative/art direction.
My art direction is a blend of timeless minimalism and bold storytelling, where fashion transcends mere clothing to become a reflection of our Zeitgeist through culture and expression. Inspired by the iconic elegance of the 80s and 90s and the raw intimacy of documentary style, I create elevated, fashion-forward visuals with unexpected, eccentric touches. Drawing from brands as Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus, The Row, Coperni, Helmut Lang, Ann Demeulemeester, Maison Margiela and Lemaire, as well as creatives like Carlijn Jacobs, Nadia Lee Cohen, Ilya Lipkin and David Sims, I aim to craft narratives that explore deeper layers of society and humanity. My work seeks to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting imprint.
The one thing I make sure to live by and express in my work and creative approach is that beauty is everywhere. Noticing is becoming less and less of a standard, and I want to bring it back. The unknown excites me – observing, connecting, feeling, learning and changing is what makes life meaningful to me and is what I constantly try to showcase and encourage through my art
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