Polimoda Design Students Exam — Milan, 2018
In 2018, I was invited to photograph Polimoda’s final exam showcase in Milan — a runway where students present their graduation collections.
This wasn’t just event coverage. The task was to capture each collection in a way that clearly communicates its form, structure, and intent, within the constraints of a live show.
The environment was demanding: fast pace, high-contrast stage lighting, and no control over movement or timing. Every frame had to be intentional.
I approached the shoot through reduction.
Light became the primary tool — isolating silhouettes, defining volume, and removing distractions. The darkness worked as negative space, allowing the garments to stand out without interference.
Light became the primary tool — isolating silhouettes, defining volume, and removing distractions. The darkness worked as negative space, allowing the garments to stand out without interference.
The focus was on:
precise timing, clean silhouettes, clarity of design
No added effects, no unnecessary styling — only what supports the work itself.
The result is a consistent series of images that document the collections while maintaining a strong visual language. Each look is presented clearly and independently, yet together they form a cohesive rhythm.
