Kristin-Lee Moolman is one of South Africa’s most exciting emerging photographers. Based in Johannesburg, her photography is informed by her experience living in the country as well as the idea of a “new Africa”; she also explores issues facing modern-day South Africans, be they to do with sexuality or segregation. Now Edun, the label co-founded by Bono, has tapped the photographer to shoot a photo series. With a desire to promote trade in Africa at the brand’s core, enlisting some of the continent’s fashion talents to create the series seems fully in line with its ethos.
When it comes to models, Moolman always looks for people with strong personalities which, for this project led her to choose Hauwa, Luisa and Pheto. Styled by Gabrielle Kannemeyer in the brand’s SS16 collection, Moolman shot this trio in and around Orlando, Soweto; on the street and in different people’s homes. Her images not only give a provide a small insight into the neighbourhood, but the tastes of those inhabit it – note the leather sofas, the satin bed linens and the porcelain flamingo.
“The concept for this project centers primarily on the contemporary Soweto, exploring the unique collection of objects and architecture so typical in the homes and streets of the suburb,” Moolman explains, “with strong emphasis on the new female beauty being one of the most important themes, as well as the conflict between the natural and the constructed, nature and city, and a focus on the systems of security so prevalent in current South African society.”
This isn’t Moolman’s only project of late – she recently shot a photo series for emerging designer Rich Mnisi’s brand OATH studio. Also shot in Soweto, this series featured a model, a student they street-cast on the day and a photographer, and aimed to “capture the essence of South African township culture in the 80s and 90s”.
Head to the gallery above to see the lookbook.
@kristinleemoolman
