Take it as there is no rule of thumb within this dream realm. Self-expression utterly prevails with each issue, but creative director, Hannah Beil, decided to push farther past boundaries. But, are there truly boundaries? What does the word boundaries mean? Who creates boundaries with personal decisions? Many analyze the previous questions and leave them open-ended since no one truly understands the “when and where and who” around limitations. The commonality of someone leaving the house in aluminum foil proves quite low. And many would judge those who made that decision to do so. We judge based on the ideals society has instilled in us or the preferences we have created. Sometimes it is hard for us to accept others in terms of outward expression based solely off the fact that we could never imagine ourselves in it.
Luckily, self-expression appears greater than ever before. ÜP editor is looking for more. In light of the April Issue for 2021, Beil, Creative Director, looked for a model that embodies the ability to live without straps. Jordana Law, featured on the April cover, stuns in a corset-like top made with aluminum rather than the average cloth or materials. Modern times call for modern interpretations of where the world is heading. Molding the foil to Law’s body could be considered a strenuous task as it was not technically designed to be worn and styled, it was crafted for cooking and other kitchen purposes.
With measurements of the model’s torso in mind, a piece was cut from the roll to accentuate her curves. Laughs were shared over and over as the foil ultimately had a mind of its own. Thankfully, Jordana is a soul of ease and flow, so we intricately took time to make the mold and alterations. Once the silhouette foil fit the vision, her fingers were individually wrapped to accessorize the look. This added an element of emphasis to the middle of her body or the top, depending on where her hands were positioned. We finished the styling off with black trousers, made with delicate openings at the hips. With such depth of color in the outfit, a vibrant red could be considered the perfect last touch. Kylie Jenner’s “Chill Baby” palette contributed to the rich pigmentation. In order to witness such face art, Beil looked for a trustworthy product which she claims to be the business woman of all women, Jenner.
Law maneuvered more careful than ever into the shower where the shoot took place. Transitioning from poses took multiple minutes in order to replace certain parts of the piece that got manipulated. “I am very open to trying new styles and means of expression because I like to be optimistic and experimental with trends and style,” Law opens up and continues, “I express myself through my style. I am a very spontaneous yet chill person. I am open to new things, so my style is pretty experimental and it features a variety of aesthetics.” Out of all aesthetics, aluminum is difficult to specifically categorize. Yet, Jordana did not hesitate despite that she has never worn or seen anyone wear the material. Getting prepared for the shoot, she stood there ready for anything. From a creative director perspective, Beil pictured this month as a dystopian outtake on fashion and expression. We surpassed what most consider “normal” or “expected” for attire. With a flexible coverstar like Jordana Law, the scene unravelled and alluded to the theme.
ÜP introduced a statement for the world to explore. On set, Law effortlessly conveys her confidence despite the fact that she may not be dressed in something that all look at as a classic. Looking back on the outfit, she responds, “I felt eccentric in a positive way. It did not put me out of my comfort zone because my comfort zone is fairly broad, but it was definitely a statement piece.” The difference between confidence and comfort is that the two are separated by the natural human nature to stand by conformity. Go forth in life with courage to at least try. Try to find new things. Try to love new things. Try to fulfill your needs. Following these milestones, yes, they are milestones and you should remember that, congratulate yourself for genuinely showing up. Remember the genuinity comes from ignoring others wishes of who they wish you could be. Those who love you will be even more in awe of your newfound aura.
Describing herself as “very independent”, Beil and Law dove into a pure conversation based on growth of the mind. She elaborates, “I tend to do my own thing. This also drives my tendency to be a leader rather than a follower.” Her comment amplifies the epitome of expressing exactly who you are and what you stand for. Those who can easily be alone and sturdy minded tend to discover deeper layers to life. Through time, one realizes that certain things call to them and this leads to the idea of incoming fashion. Trends come from one experimenting and going in-depth with the appearances and actions and beliefs that identify with their innermost self. Take low-rise jeans, platform shoes, thin eyebrows, etc., those do not become a reality until one extracts it from the lost-and-found box.
A glaze over April’s cover: Spring is a new endeavour. Law claims she is looking for “clarity and a sense of stability.” Two foundations that set you farther emotionally and physically. Being expansive only comes by releasing fear, and then the process begins. Expand your “boundaries”, you may just find yourself.