Photographer Michelle Marshall
Fashion Benedict Browne
Writer David Gillespie
Groomer Ephraim Onyegbule at Carol Hayes Management using Elemis and Anastasia Beverly Hills
Fashion Assistants Veronica Perez and Tanya Thandrie
Producer Haley Paolini
Location Special Thanks London Review Bookshop
Close your eyes and submit to the gravity of this timeless moment. Sense each hair on your skin bristle as winter’s sharp breeze whispers past you. Is there a warmth caressing your cheeks, flushed like ripe summer peaches kissed by morning dew? Thoughts may meander, aimlessly drifting like autumn leaves along a tender stream. Yet, your stance is steady, rooted like budding stems of spring blossoms striving for sunlight. What does it take to be Frequently Happy? For David Larbi, happiness isn’t a destination but a state to cultivate, moment by moment, with intention and mindfulness.
David’s debut book, Frequently Happy, is a voyage through changing times, bound by a collection of personal reflections, poems and journal entries. He was perfect for this print issue, "Revolving Revelations." He talks about all the revelations he's had in his life so far; finding joy in winter is especially important, being frequently happens means taking pleasure in simplicity, practising mindfulness does not require a ton of money and "the perfect yoga setup", and banana peels and warm water are surprisingly key to happiness...and fun socks.
Here is a sneak peek from our hour-long conversation:
It hit me the other day that we see ourselves so much more than a caveman would. Unless a caveman stumbled upon the water, they wouldn’t see their reflection, but we have so many ways to look at ourselves. It’s easy to think we’re constantly being watched, especially when we’re consuming so much content from others. If we’re seeing all of this from other people, it makes sense to assume that others are seeing us just as much. But honestly, it’s not as serious as we make it out to be. While we’re all consumed with our thoughts, everyone else has their own rich and complex lives to think about, too.
Personally, the frequency in which a caveman would see their reflection is not a thought that often hits us, but we're very glad it's one that came to David. Here's your reminder to take a deep breath and to, of course, buy Issue 17 because cavemen also didn't get the joy of looking at David's reflection in photographer Michelle Marshall's lens. Photographed laughing on the street, sitting on barrels, and reading books, we are certainly frequently happy looking at his full feature.
Take in the full 14-page story beyond this teaser. Our brand new Autumn Winter 2024 issue Revolving Revelations is available to buy online.
