Random Passerby in London Dressed In High Fashion Prove Much More Interesting To Look At Than Models

Eddjei, Ridley Road Market, wears coat from Beyond Retro

Joyce, Muswell Hill, wears Issey Miyake

Jim, Hoxton, wears JW Anderson

For The Thirty Three, London-based photographer Tom Johnson constructed makeshift studios throughout the city, inviting thirty-three complete strangers to take part in an offbeat fashion shoot, for which they were styled according to their own distinct personalities.

In collaboration with stylist Phoebe Haines, Johnson visited the East, West, South, and North of London in the course of five days, spontaneously approaching passersby that struck him as eccentric, intriguing, and beautiful. After they agreed, the photographer and stylist spent time getting to know the aesthetic of each individual, pulling high end contemporary and vintage pieces to complement the garments they were already sporting.

For the artist, the project marries his passions for fashion and documentary work, injecting the sometimes inaccessible world of fashion photography with a potent dose of authenticity. Although his subjects sometimes took a few shots to drop their guards, Johnson was able to unearth moments of surprise, and through the joys of playing dress up, these men, women, and children were able to reveal something undeniably genuine.

Tanya, Hoxton, wears James Long

Barbara, Hoxton, wears jacket by Helen Lawrence

Pat, Hackney, wears James Long

Shakirat, Peckham, wears Issey Miyake

Carolyn, Dalston, wears Heohwan Simulation

Georgiana, Dalston, wears Ashish

Hannah, Peckham, wears JW Anderson

All images © Tom Johnson, assisted by Jamie Phelps; styling by Phoebe Haines, assisted by Nathan Henry

via VICE

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