Neo-Protectors – Other Studio × Nike Editorial
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Editorial Photography
Neo-Protectors is a self-initiated fashion editorial developed as a creative extension of an official Other Studio × Nike women’s apparel collaboration. While the editorial itself was not commissioned by Nike, it was directly informed by real design work created for the brand during the same period.
Concept:
The project expands on Nike’s design theme of “protection,” interpreted through the lens of speculative world-building. The narrative centers on imagined “citizen protectors” — individuals who embed care, safety, and resilience into their communities.
Visual references pulled from video games, manga, uniforms, camouflage, and organic forms informed both the silhouettes and the tone of the imagery. Rather than a dystopian future, the world is optimistic and regenerative: post-urban environments overtaken by flora, warmth, and human intention.
Character development was central to the process. Working closely with the stylist and designer, we developed archetypes that influenced posing, styling, and camera language, grounding each look in story rather than trend.
Execution:
The editorial was built collaboratively, with photography, styling, and character development evolving in parallel. CG environments were integrated to extend the physical shoot into imagined landscapes — alien yet familiar, overgrown yet hopeful — reinforcing the narrative scope.
Created in Chicago during the winter of 2020, Neo-Protectors reflects a shared moment of experimentation among Midwest-based artists. Though collaborators are now spread across the country, the project remains rooted in the community and creative momentum where it originated.
Talent: Whitting (@whittingg ) of Ford Models (@fordmodels ) / Women’s Division and Development: Anna Rachford Iyomi Hoken (@iyomihoken)
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Creative Direction: Eileen Tjan (@ileensan)
Photographer: Matt Allen (@mallen.wav)
Stylist: Nadya Laska (@softpiglet)
MUA: Erica Martens de Hoyos (@lastlookswitherica)
3D/CG: Trek Matthew (@trekmatthews)
Shoot Assistant: Dae Narciso Gonazález (@daethem)