Pegah Farahmand for Harpers Bazaar USA

Photographer Pegah Farahmand @pegahfarah /
Style Vittoria Cerciello @vittoriacerciello /
Hair Tamara McNaughton @tamaramcnaughton /
Make up Yumi Lee @yumilee_mua / Manicure Mayumi Abuku @maymisan /
Talent Tasha Tilberg @tasha_tilberg, Emmi Freeman @emmifreeman,
Production @artproduction__ / Set Whitney Hellesen @whitneyhellesen /

“Inner Strength”: A Sculptural Fashion Story at Vandervoort Studio

At Vandervoort Studio, every production is more than a shoot—it’s an experience shaped by light, space, and vision. This fall, our Brooklyn-based studio set the scene for a striking editorial captured by photographer Pegah Farahmand, whose lens brought the concept of “Inner Strength” to life with precision, artistry, and arresting minimalism.

With a narrative that blends raw power with sculptural elegance, the shoot explored fashion as both armor and expression. The talent—Emmi Freeman, Ylang Messenguiral, Valerie Scherzinger, and Tasha Tilberg—embodied the concept with a commanding yet graceful presence, styled in tactile textures and architectural silhouettes that pushed boundaries while honoring the timeless.

Stylist Vittoria Cerciello brought together an unforgettable wardrobe of neutral tones, rich materials, and bold accessories that defined the visual tone. Think bubble wool, sculpted knits, dramatic volume, and earthy palettes. These weren’t just garments—they were statements of resilience and ease, merging fall’s fashion-forward sophistication with grounded, natural elegance.

Hair artist Tamara McNaughton, working with Hair Rituel by Sisley, created sculptural yet effortless hair looks that emphasized the models’ individuality while complementing the clothing’s bold structure. Makeup artist Yumi Lee, using Dior Beauty, added modern depth and minimalism to each look—polished, clean skin with subtle flourishes that allowed every texture and silhouette to speak volumes. Manicurist Mayumi Abuku of Uka refined the finishing touches, creating nail looks that were quiet but considered—supporting the overall tone of refined strength.

Behind the scenes, casting director Anita Elizabeth Bitton of The Establishment ensured the story was told through a diverse and dynamic ensemble, each model bringing their own quiet confidence to the frame. The synergy between cast, creative, and setting elevated the entire narrative, culminating in a final result that felt contemporary, yet timeless.

Set designer Whitney Hellesen transformed our clean white cyclorama into a sculptural stage, infusing it with minimalist props—like the oversized clay amphora held by Tilberg—that echoed the editorial’s grounding in organic forms and timeless artistry. These subtle elements helped create a visual language of contrast: strength and vulnerability, tradition and modernity, stillness and movement.

The creative process thrived within Vandervoort Studio’s versatile and light-filled space. Our clean concrete floors, high ceilings, and seamless daylight-to-strobe transitions provided the flexibility needed for a dynamic, multi-look editorial. Whether capturing soft early light filtering across the set or dialing in sharp contrast for more dramatic frames, the team utilized every inch of our production-ready space to realize their vision.

This shoot is a reminder of the kind of bold, forward-thinking creative work Vandervoort is proud to host. From fashion editorials and commercial campaigns to experimental portraiture, our space adapts to the needs of each project while maintaining a standard of production excellence.

As fall fashion turns its focus toward layered narratives and rich sensory experiences, this editorial stands as a testament to the enduring power of stripped-back storytelling. “Inner Strength” doesn’t scream; it resonates. The images draw you in quietly, through form, posture, gaze—and the care behind every detail.

We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this powerful story to life and grateful to Pegah Farahmand, Vittoria Cerciello, and the entire dream team for trusting Vandervoort Studio as their creative home base. It’s moments like these that remind us what makes this studio special—not just the space, but the spirit of collaboration and boundary-pushing artistry it enables.