THE CREATIVE CLASS: MAKING IT THEIR WAY
Photographer Francesca Allen captures the talented, genuine and real
by Maria Raposo
The great paradox of our age is that we have more freedom than at any other time, but somehow our desire to conform is greater than ever. Pressured to coincide with social circles or society’s weighty rulebook; some of us have lost sight of our true selves, choosing to trade in integrity for approval.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said that self-absorption is the “beginning of death”. Because the distorted image of yourself is really your grave, you are not truly living if you are not your authentic self. Real Authenticity is standing by your own values and convictions, having the courage to live your life the way you want to. It is the realization that there is no authority but yourself, so if you feel something just do it. Because authenticity lends itself to prosperity, it is a state of extended happiness. It’s truly believing in yourself, and the life you lead.
Alongside emerging photographer Francesca Allen, we set out to photograph the ‘real’. Bored with the manufactured ‘cool kids’ parading across fashion covers, we want to show you what being ‘authentic’ really looks like.
Laura Vandall: Freelance stylist and co-founder of Ghettonailz
Leo Carlton: Artefact & Millinery designer
Savannah Wolf: Freelance set builder and street artist
Jenkin Van Zyl: Performance Artist
Henry Pedro-Wright: Graffiti Artist and Model
Michal Kristov: Student at Large
Ophelia Horton: Blogger and founder of PULP zine
Mohammad Rizan Shahari: Bike Courier aka Road Warrior
Joanna Kiely: Photographer and creator of 'Girls Don't Do That' zine
Francesca Allen: Creative visionary & photographer behind this shoot
