Model Jamie Lee
Photographer Alexe Bec
Fashion Lensja
Writer Alexa Swantek
The shadows of figures that usually follow behind us on the pavement are absent in this place. They do not loom like giants on the faces of buildings, or slink around a city corner, always on the edge of our vision. This place feels untouched by humanity, like a sandy coast unmarred by footprints. It is in the deep breath of solitude, the exhale of noise, that a figure emerges from the light and dark, a mirror to what surrounds him.
Is he a man or just another shadow, crafted of firm and sharp edges instead of the fuzzy penumbra that usually consumes the crowded streets? He is solid and strong, mimicking the sturdiness of the Parisian architecture he surrounds. But he also blends, melting behind the bars of a window with an impish smile that says, “Can you spot me?”
The man is a poem with three stanzas, and the empty city is his paper. The first is written in the jet black ink of a delicate quill. It is quiet and gentle in its rhythm, but stark and staunch, matching the crispness of the man’s surroundings. The man stands with the tallness of the streetlight he grips onto, proud to embed his presence into this inspired canvas.
The second stanza is written in bold red, fiery and strong. This man is a liberation of audacious colour, daring the sturdy city to follow suit. The windows mimic the colourful man in his red pursuit. He stands between them with his eyes closed, taking in the sun that dries the running red ink, and smiles softly.
The closing of the poem is not a sad farewell to the city, but a celebration of the art they made together. The man, with his bag packed, gives the city one final turn. He sits on the beige brick and gazes fondly out into the Parisian streets, lined with buildings that hold so much more than just people and furniture. He smoothes out the paper, sets down his pen, and moves on.
But the shadow of him lingers in the cobblestone streets he walked, and the bridge remembers his name.
Above left: Jamie wears Jacket by Felaçi
Above right: Jamie wears Full Look by David's Road
Above: Jamie wears Hat and Dress by Atmanego and Boots by David's Road
Above left: Jamie wears Jacket by Felaçi, Trousers by Vanderwilt, Bag by Nine Handbags, Boots by David's Road, and Belt by Dries Van Noten
Above right: Jamie wears Jacket and Trousers by Atmanego and Boots by David's Road
Above left: Jamie wears Jacket as before, Skirt by Vanderwilt, Trousers by Jil Sander, and Boots by Ann Demulemeester
