ISSUE 2 SPRING SUMMER 2022
JACK BLANCO JUSTAS VAICIULIS OSKAR DAMEGARD TYRONE SMITH JAIDYN SOMMERS OWEN TOPPING NEWTON KANGETHE KORNELIJUS BUDRYS TOM BANKS JANNES ARNDT
THE THE FANTASTICS FANTASTICS ISSUE ISSUE
ALIOU LOU, CLORY DOSSANTOS AND ISIAH ZION X CLARE SETIAN 1
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NEW YORK CITY BOY
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Jack Blanco X Mark Arroyo BAD HERO page 26 Justas Vaiciulis X Jakub Koziel FAMILY page 34 Aliou, Clory and Isiah X Clare Setian DAY TO NIGHT page 50 Oskar Damegard X Klara Fowler LONDON BOY page 58 Tyrone, Jaidyn and Owen X Akin O’Boye FRESH PRINCE page 64 Newton Kangethe X Jakub Koziel I AM HOT FOR YOU
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Kornelijus Budrys X Tom J Johnson RUDE BOY page 84 Tom Banks X Clare Setian THE ONE (DER EINE)
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Jannes Arndt X Terrance Whittaker
MENACE MANAGEMENT
Letter from the founder
@menacemodelmanagement www.menacemodels.co.uk
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND FOUNDER Patrick Egbon-Marshall @patch1977 MANAGING EDITOR Melissa Santos @melissasxntos EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER Clare Setian @claresetian CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom J Johnson @tomjjohnsonphoto Mark Arroyo @arroyoworks Jakub Koziel @jakub_koz Klara Fowler @klara_fowler Akin O’Boye @londonakin Terence Whitaker @terry.w.whitaker
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M...Is for MENACE What’s in a name? As founder, this was a pivotal question that led to the creation of the agency. I came to realise that amongst other things, it was the word ‘MENACE’, for all its other meanings could also represent a state of resistance and resilience, fearlessness and forward thinking. As Editor in Chief, these are the same ingredients that led to the creation of M Magazine! A platform by Menace to celebrate Menace. We have an amazing board of diverse and talented models and creatives and we want everyone else to share this with us. We have taken control of our own creative destiny and are forging our own path within our own industry. We are unique and we wait for no one! We want to share our editorial platform and support as many creatives of all levels who are willing to also support, work and grow with us as a family. This is why this issue means a lot to us because it is the next step from the idea of the first issue and a recognition of our resilience to have already come this far. I would like to thank my team who have worked so hard and all the contributors who took part in the shoots and have allowed us to share their talent. To all the models who continue to form the foundation of our family; you are all fantastic. I hope you enjoy The Fantastics Issue!
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NEW YORK CITY BOY
Jack Blanco X Mark Arroyo
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BAD HERO
Justas Vaiciulus X Jakub Koziel
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INDIVIDUALITY & VISION
@badheroofficial www.badhero.com
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FAMILY
By Clare Setian
Photography
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Clare Setian
Meet Clare Setian and the boys. For this
An intimate editorial shot in Menace’s very
second edition of M Magazine, Aliou, Clory
own office in London, these three boys
and Isiah take over one of the covers in this
demonstrate a notion of regality that is
special story, Family, shot and directed
assisted by the styling from Vintage Threads.
by Clare. From shooting the agency’s
An
headshots, to high-fashion editorials, the
Clare delves into more detail about her
informal
and
casual
conversation,
Styling
Vintage Threads
28 year old photographer from Valencia
photography background and the chemistry
Models
Aliou Lou Clory Dossantos
knows how to execute a concept from start
between these Menace boys that made
Isiah Zion
to finish and bring ideas to life. This story
Family happen.
Words
Family is no exception.
Melissa Santos
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Tell us more about your photography background and journey? “Well, I was born and raised in a small town in Valencia, Spain, and to be honest I was never surrounded by fashion or creative people. My town has a very big classical music influence so I actually always thought that I would be a musician in an orchestra (I play the saxophone). I then
three years and with no experience in the
developed a love for fashion and clothes and
fashion industry, I went to Milan for two
even toyed with the idea of being a fashion
months and a whole new world opened for
designer haha. But then as fate would have it,
me. I fell in love with fashion photography,
my mum and dad bought me my first camera
so I guess it was then that my journey truly
and I fell in love with photography.”
began. I then decided to move to London and lots of new doors opened for me. I
“I started shooting my friends, creating
started meeting all sorts of people in the
something that most creatives hold close to
layouts in my mind and coming up with so
industry, one of them being Patrick. I then
their hearts. As creatives, the opportunity
many new ideas. I developed a passion for
began shooting fashion editorials non-stop
of being surrounded by other creatives, no
photography, so I decided to study it. After
for magazines and also for portfolio use. The
matter what medium or discipline, in order
people around me really inspired me and I
to help fuel our own creativity is truly a
soon found that when you surround yourself
privilege. It sometimes takes a team to bring
with other creative people, magic happens.
brilliance to life, much like M Magazine, and
It’s beautiful, you kind of get addicted to it.”
with so many creatives emerging into the industry, there has never been a better time
This story demonstrates the kind of beautiful
to collaborate and create.
magic Clare makes happen. She touches on When we open ourselves to other people’s ideas and perspectives, we open ourselves to more greatness. It’s sometimes easy to stick to industry norms, but that’s not what Menace or the models are about. Through these in-house editorials, Menace is taking back creative control and proving to the world that they’re only just getting started.
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What was it about these three boys together that worked so well together? “Well,
for
one
thing,
they
looked beautiful. But mostly, it was their camaraderie and visible chemistry on set. They quickly became a little family unit and
editorial, there is also a feeling of nostalgia
to see them having fun together made it all
present within the story. It’s a feeling that
the easier to capture their dynamism.”
these are industry legends in the making.
Can you tell us a bit more about the styling?
Were there any points of inspiration or
“For
this
cover
shoot
we
references for this story?
collaborated with Vintage Threads. Their
“It was a whole process to
team put together all the looks and they
arrive at this idea to be honest. At the
did an amazing job. I’d love to give them
beginning, we were shooting a completely
a shoutout, definitely check them out
different story, with different models and
on their Instagram you can find here @
a different scenario. But I always wanted to
vintagethreads_ldn.”
shoot Aliou and Clory together so started creating new mood boards focusing on
The boys dripped in such unique pieces in
them. Balenciaga family campaigns were
unison together, it’s hard not to be in awe
my first inspiration for the shoot and
of their dapperness; the magic is real. With
everything started making more sense
such recognizable prints from the likes of
in my head. However, something was still
Burberry and Fendi, it’s easy for the clothes
missing. I wanted to portray a brotherhood
to wear the models, but not with the Menace
vibe and that’s when Isiah came along, he
boys. Aliou, Clory and Isiah are naturals and know how to stand as a family unit stronger than the iconic pieces they wear. Such a thought through and excellently executed
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is and how it encapsulates Menace so well. Being able to tell a story of family and unity through this creative lens is the work of an editorial director who is also a visionary. Above all, part of Clare’s brilliance is her was the missing piece for this shoot. Three
recognition for the other creatives she
beautiful Black boys posing as a family for
works collaboratively with.
the cover of the first print issue of a family magazine. Because that’s what M magazine is; family.”
What was your favourite part of the shoot? “One of my favourite parts was working with such a diverse, talented team.
Menace is more than an agency and this
Having people from so many different
story shot by Clare proves this through
backgrounds coming together to create
and through. The relationships between
one vision was really inspiring for me. I also
all members is the reason the Menace
usually don’t enjoy the editing process
family keeps on growing including models,
but with this shoot, I definitely did. I found
photographers and all other contributors.
myself getting more and more excited when
Menace is a hub for diverse talent and this
I saw just how vibrant the colours were and
second edition of M Magazine is only the
how beautiful they turned out to be as the
beginning of what more is to come.
story unfolded through them.”
As the conversation with Clare comes to
What do you hope to see more of in the
a close, it’s evident how special this shoot
industry moving forwards? “WOMEN IN CHARGE! This industry is led by men and that needs to change. The majority of photographers, fashion designers, creative directors etc, are male and we need to showcase women’s visions,
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and timeless, that’s the foundation of what M Magazine is all about. Clare is a powerful photographer who is blazing through the industry and making a name for herself. And on the other hand, these three boys Aliou, Clory and Isiah represent just a fraction of the talent that Menace has to offer. Watch more female power. When the industry gatekeepers promote one voice and agenda, it’s hard for emerging female talent to break through. We need to give a platform to more diverse artists in order to reflect different forms of expression.” Say no more. Diversity within the industry will always be a necessity. When we allow the space for creatives from all different backgrounds and disciplines to enter and bring their ideas and talents, we open up room for more perspectives, new voices and above all; innovation. Working collaboratively with a range of people is how to make a difference and produce content that is fresh and keeps the world turning. The industry has a while to go but that’s what this story of family is dismantling. Creative
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this space closely.
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DAY AND NIGHT
Oskar Damegard X Klara Fowler
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LONDON BOY Tyrone Smith X Akin O’Boye
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LONDON BOY Jaidyn Sommers X Akin O’Boye
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LONDON BOY Owen Topping X Akin O’Boye
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FRESH PRINCE
Newton Kangethe X Jakub Koziel
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I AM HOT FOR YOU By Tom J Johnson
A photographer that explores different
Kornelijus Burdys demonstrates the raw
mediums to tell a narrative, Tom J Johnson
talent that M Magazine is so passionate
joins M Magazine as one of The Fantastics
about sharing with the rest of the industry.
Issue covers. Based between Somerset and Photography Styling
Peter Bevan
Grooming
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Tom J Johnson
London, Tom has established himself as a
Tom speaks authentically and beautifully
photographer who captures the beauty of
about his work and this story, which
body movement through an editorial lens.
M Magazine wanted the world to read
Anni Rademacher
untouched. This means that’s all from us, as
Model
Kornelijus Budrys
A privilege to welcome Tom as part of
we let Tom share the driving force behind
Words
Melissa Santos
the Menace family, this story with model
his craft and the process behind this story.
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Knitted crop top Pronounce Shorts Daniel Fletcher Socks Lacoste Boots Vagabond Bracelet Maria Black Rings Isabel Bonner and Vivienne Westwood
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Can you tell us more about your photography background and journey? “Photography initially came to me because of my terrible painting skills. I studied art at GCSE, and was always frustrated with how the ideas I had in my head would never quite come to fruition
of representation within the medium.
on paper. We had a project during the
Then through my own background in the
course which allowed us to take reference
performing arts, I naturally felt myself
images to then paint from and my interest
drawn to photographing dancers, actors,
in photography developed from there. I
and musicians, for the way they embody
started off with lots of self portraiture,
a character on set and can so easily form
What narrative did you want to portray in
utilizing the countryside I grew up in around
a narrative with my concept. You can also
this story?
Somerset to create more concept-driven,
be so much more adventurous with posing
surreal photographs. “
which is a huge benefit in itself.”
“I feel like in this instance, I went into the shoot with a technical vision in mind, which is usually a second thought to the
“I also used to really over produce my
How would you describe your work to
story. But I knew from the offset that I wanted
images in Photoshop afterwards, which in
somebody who has never seen it?
to really use this shoot to try out a multi-
hindsight created some really ghastly edits
“I would describe my work today as
light set up and see how it complimented
but allowed me to develop my skills in post
sitting on the boundary between performing
film as a medium in comparison to digital.
production. I’m very thankful for this today
arts and fashion, a duality of the two. I like
I’ve developed much of my skill set through
as it gave me a huge head-start on what would
to hark back to my earlier work in terms of
self teaching, and try more nowadays to
later be my retouching process. I studied a
how my images sit in relation to reality, in
acknowledge that it’s okay to experiment
fashion photography course at university
that I personally don’t enjoy creating images
with an element of failure involved.”
which gave me the practical studio skills I
that feel too realistic. I love feeling like I’m
“This is why I didn’t want to assert any
lacked and also an understanding of British
creating another world, and having that
preconceived narrative onto this shoot as
fashion history and a wider knowledge
reflected in the visual tropes I use, which is
I wanted to give myself the freedom to be
often a mix between my lighting, pose, and
playful. And I feel like now, this is what ended
the way I play with medium format in post.
up being the narrative, from the styling to
But absolutely not to what I suppose would
the posing, Kornelijus’ personality in itself
be the hyper-digital extent they were a few
to Anni Rademacher’s grooming; everything
years ago.”
carried this lighthearted playful attitude which I didn’t really realise until afterwards.”
What did the creative process behind this story look like? “This story originated from me wanting to try out a new lighting set up,
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Top Jeans Socks Shoes Bracelet Rings
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Carlotta Barrera Zilver Lacoste Stefan Cooke Maria Black Isabel Bonner and Vivienne Westwood
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and we ended up shooting it on a freezing day in December. So in shooting the story, I knew I wanted to shoot something that felt brighter and warmer than what we felt outside, and Peter Bevan who’s the fantastic
how to present all of the styling to a super
stylist behind the fashion, pulled some
high standard and was essentially the face
brilliant clothing that carried the same sort
of the playful, lighthearted attitude of the
of discourse in relation to more dynamic
day. The original shoot idea fell through due
paneling and cut outs that fit this style.”
to complications with covid, and Kornelijus
enjoy the process more. I love how clean and
actually came in at the last minute to save
dynamic the image feels through the bright
“The shoot started with a moodboard, which
the day and bring the shoot above and
background and use of shape in the cutouts
I shared with Peter, and then we cast it to
beyond what I’d originally had in mind. He’d
of the styling, and the way the fill lights
match. But in the post production process, I
already made the shoot a success before
help accentuate the contours in Kornelijus’
felt the images I’d taken on my Canon lacked
we’d started. “
silhouette and bone structure. But I still feel
texture. They were missing some of the
like it maintains that delicacy that I like to
depth that the film images had and I wanted
Do you have a particular favourite shot and
capture in my work, but presents it from a
them to read as one story. This is how I ended
can you tell us why?
new perspective perhaps.”
up printing some of the images to achieve
“I do! It’s a shot of Kornelijus
the paper texture on some of the final edits
wearing the cutout Carlota Barrera vest with
If anything at all, what’s the aim you’re trying
and make the different looks between the
the cutout Zilver trousers, with a hand on
to accomplish with your work?
mediums feel deliberate. I felt this added an
the opposing shoulder looking directly into
“Essentially, I just want to show
element of nostalgia that helped unify the
camera. From a photographic standpoint,
the personality of my subject. I feel like a
story.”
I’m drawn to this image because it’s the first instance where the new set up I wanted to
How was it working alongside the model,
try actually worked. So from here on you
Kornelijus?
sort of let out a sigh of relief and can actually
“Working with Kornelijus was a joy. He’s an incredible creative, and was really cooperative and keen to try out whatever pose or expression I asked of him. He knew
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shoot is a success when you can feel the subject through the photograph, as the viewer, and feel like you can begin to know them. It demonstrates a connection, trust, and I feel like a shoot can feel flat if this is missing. This is why I thoroughly enjoy working with performers, in that it gives you an opportunity to represent personalities other than the person in the photograph.
through collaborating with queer stylists or
It can really help elevate a concept if the
talent; fashion and photography can create
demeanour of the subject can adapt to
an incredibly safe and nurturing space to
match it.”
experience these things now.”
“But I guess ultimately, my work is an outlet
Not only a magician with the camera but
to explore things I feel I perhaps missed out
with words also, Tom’s transparency about
on growing up. I usually work with dancers
his brilliance is both inspirational and
because I feel like I became interested in
motivating. Being able to create a space
dance too late to do what they do to that
for talented creatives to share more about
level now, but I can photograph it and
themselves is what the industry needs. It
experience it this way instead. Or with queer
contributes to giving emerging creatives
identity, I was very closeted growing up in
that extra nudge some of them need.
a small countryside village with no LGBTQ+ representation that I can remember, and my
The connection between the viewer and
work allows me to fully indulge in an element
Kornelijus through Tom’s lens is present in
of myself I used to ignore, whether this be
a very unique way and that’s what makes this front cover and story so powerful. This shoot is only a glimpse into how Tom views the world and it has been an honour to his work a part of this special, fantastic, issue.
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RUDE BOY
Tom Banks X Clare Setian
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THE ONE (DER EINE)
Jannes Arndt X Terence Whitaker Hair and makeup Styling
Samantha Pottmaier
Emily Hawkins Emre Wagner
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