TEKIN An Icelandic Fashion Tale
Where Bold Fashion Meets Iceland’s Raw Beauty
First and foremost, TEKIN: An Icelandic Tale celebrates contrasts. Iceland’s rugged landscape, filled with icy plains and volcanic cliffs, becomes the perfect canvas. The editorial depicts an imagined odyssey, starting with the aftermath of a plane crash and unraveling across volcanic rock, weather-beaten wood buildings, and desolate open plains. Along the way, wild seas crash against cliffs, horses roam freely, and vibrant yellow flower fields appear like oases in the rugged terrain. Breathtaking waterfalls cascade through the imagery, adding a sense of grandeur. Each frame immerses us in Iceland’s raw beauty, blending these natural elements with bold, avant-garde fashion. However, the fashion stands out in vibrant, primary hues, creating a striking juxtaposition.
Furthermore, Kezi Ban’s photography enhances this bold visual narrative. Red dresses, electric blues, and vivid yellows clash magnificently with Iceland’s muted, gray and green palette. Meanwhile, avant-garde silhouettes echo the graphic shapes of the landscape. Designers like Lie Sangbong bring architectural flair that aligns perfectly with the country’s stark terrains. Additionally, the garments highlight edgy designs, structured shapes, and unconventional details. As a result, each piece transforms the wild Icelandic environment into a bold, futuristic runway.
Vibrant Styling That Moves With the Elements
Not only do the garments contrast with the environment, but they also reflect the energy of Iceland’s unpredictable weather. For instance, flowing fabrics from Monique Huillier interact dynamically with the wind. Meanwhile, Mugler adds a grounding element to the fluidity. Moreover, Samantha Angelo brings life to the styling, delivering poses that feel both powerful and elegant. Her movements emphasize the bold shapes and colors.
Icelandic Fashion, Redefined
Ultimately, TEKIN: An Icelandic Tale tells a story that redefines Icelandic fashion. Through its use of primary colors, bold shapes, and striking contrasts, the editorial crafts a fresh narrative. Each garment, whether from Flagpole or Reem Acra, becomes a statement of fearless creativity.
In addition, Kezi Ban’s direction captures Iceland’s duality—untamed beauty and modern sophistication. While the landscape feels timeless, the avant-garde styling pushes boundaries. This balance ensures the editorial resonates with both art and fashion audiences. Lastly, TEKIN serves as a testament to collaboration. By combining global designers with Iceland’s natural wonders, the editorial creates something truly unforgettable.
Photographer/Editor/Director Kezi Ban
Model/Creative Director Samantha Angelo
Hair and Make Up Sarah O’Brien
Producer Guorun Danielsdottir
Colorful bold suit Moon Lee
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Thomas is the author of the books The Business of Fine Art Photography, Routledge, New York, and The Fashion Image for Bloomsbury Publishing, London. As a creative consultant, Thomas works one on one with students, creatives, businesses, cultural institutions, and not for profits helping them refine their communications, and achieve their goals in fashion and the fine arts. He is also an Editor at Large for IRK Magazine, a member of the Santa Fe Council for the CENTER for Photographic Art, an instructor at the New York Film Academy and Santa Fe Workshops, founder of Thomas Werner Projects Podcast, and past Photography Program Director at Parsons School of Design in New York. He is the former owner of Thomas Werner Gallery in Manhattan’s Chelsea Art District, and a former National Board member and New York Chapter President for the American Society of Media Photographers. As well as a former Advisory Board Member for Ithaca College’s Executive Education Program and contributor to Adobe’s Lightroom Academy. As an exhibiting artist Thomas was represented by galleries in New York and Los Angeles, and his work reviewed in The New Yorker Magazine.
Werner also led a team developing a media and literacy web site and resource center in five languages, Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic and English for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations/UNESCO. He has worked with the United States Department of State on cultural projects in Russia, and been a photography consultant for COACH and Rodale Publishing, among others. Thomas was a recurrent instructor at the United Nations Education First Summer School, and is now presenting workshops on effective message development, team management, innovation, education, visual communication, contemporary professional practices, on an international basis. With a series of presentations and workshops in 6 cities across China.
From 2005 – 2020 his research was Russia centric spending an average of 30 days a year there partnering with 32 cultural, educational, and governmental organizations to develop projects in 29 cities. The focus has been the introduction of contemporary education methodologies, and the development of creative cultures within the country. Russian partners have included; The State Hermitage Museum, the National Center of Contemporary Art, Perm Regional Government, The Moscow Biennale for Young Art, National Centre of Photography for the Russian Federation, The Central State Archive of Film, Photographic and Phonographic Documents, The Moscow Biennale, The Pro Arte Foundation, and others. He has curated exhibitions in the United States and abroad, including seven co-curated exhibitions at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His private collection of Russian photographs and artifacts have been exhibited internationally. Thomaswernerprojects.com @Thomaswernerprojects IG
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