Folia
Beauty Editorial
Creative Direction - Photography - Film
Mauritius, 2026
Introduction
FOLIA is a visual exploration of botanical forms, filtered light and skin texture.
Inspired by the natural architecture of tropical foliage, the project examines the relationship between the human body and its environment through a series of intimate beauty portraits, organic details and atmospheric landscapes.
Rather than documenting nature, the intention was to create a dialogue between skin, light and vegetation, where leaves become both framing devices and sculptural elements.
The visual language relies on deep shadows, controlled highlights and a restrained colour palette built around natural greens and warm skin tones.
Alongside the photographic series, a short film was produced to extend the narrative through movement, rhythm and texture.
Creative Direction
The project was conceived as a contemporary beauty editorial where tropical vegetation acts as a natural diffusion system.
Large banana leaves filter sunlight, creating layers of shadow and highlights across the model's face and body.
Rather than relying on elaborate styling or props, the focus remained on essential elements:
light
skin
texture
form
atmosphere
Environment
The environment serves as more than a backdrop.
The foliage becomes an active visual component, shaping compositions and directing the viewer's gaze throughout the series.
PRESENCE
The first portraits focus on emergence.
The subject gradually appears through layers of vegetation, creating a sense of discovery and intimacy.
Light becomes increasingly directional while compositions move closer to the face.
Texture
At the core of the project lies an interest in texture.
Skin, foliage and shadow are treated with equal importance, allowing the viewer to experience the image beyond portraiture alone.
These close-up studies emphasize surface, detail and materiality.
Botanical Dialogue
The final sequence explores the direct interaction between the subject and the environment.
Leaves become sculptural forms that frame, conceal and reveal.
The images move away from traditional beauty photography and toward a more abstract relationship between body and nature.
FILM
The accompanying film extends the photographic narrative through movement and rhythm.
Built around the same visual principles as the still imagery, it focuses on subtle gestures, shifting light and organic textures to create a contemplative sensory experience.
CREDITS
Director Of Photography : Arnaud Louise
Makeup artist & Hairstylist : Joanne
Talent: Pia