As a fashion and editorial photographer, I’m always drawn to stories that feel personal. When a model brings their world into the shoot, something meaningful happens. That was exactly the case with Clara Barbieri in Seoul. She’s Italian, studying Korean studies and political science, and just beginning her journey into modeling. What stood out to me was how much of herself she brought to this project. Clara didn’t just wear the clothes. She styled the looks. She suggested the locations. She guided the flow of this photoshoot from start to finish.
It’s not often that a collaboration feels this easy and natural. There was no barrier between photographer and model. It felt like two people building something together. We walked. We explored. We followed the city’s energy. And together, we created something that felt real and personal.
This is My Style. My City: A visual conversation between Clara and Seoul. And I had the chance to capture it.
Escher Walls and Sculptural Style
You might walk past this place and not even notice it. That’s what makes it so interesting. Right by Seoul Station, Clara led us to a sunken metal structure that felt like stepping into an Escher drawing. I thought I knew this area. But I had never seen this place. Clara said it was one of her favorite quiet spots. When we arrived, I understood why. The space was built with stacked concrete blocks. The patterns created visual rhythm. Angles played with perspective. It felt calm and still.
Clara wore a fitted black tank, combat boots, and a sculptural woven silver skirt designed by Scott Braxton. The styling was her own. The look felt balanced and clean. Her poses followed the lines of the wall. At times, she looked like part of the structure. At others, she created contrast. Her presence added warmth to the cool, layered background.
The mood here was quiet and focused. There were no distractions. Just the sound of the city in the distance. These are the kinds of locations I enjoy most. They don’t ask for attention. But once you’re there, you want to stay a while.
Free Spirit Staircase: Edge and Expression
Next, we headed to our second location. Clara had the neighborhood in mind, and as we wandered the streets in Euljiro, we discovered a restaurant bar called Free Spirit. What caught our eye was its narrow staircase, lit with small string lights and flanked by walls covered in painted signs. It felt casual and full of personality. The vibe shifted as soon as we stepped into the space.
Clara changed into a sheer silver dress designed by Scott Braxton, layered over loose jeans. She paired it with a cropped leather jacket and the same combat boots. The rest of the pieces were hers, and she styled the look herself. The textures worked well together. The mix of sheer fabric with denim and leather added depth. This was Clara’s own way of putting things together. Confident and relaxed.
She used the staircase as part of her movement. Sat on the steps. Leaned on the railing. Stood in a quiet pose. Each frame felt like a moment you might see walking by. Simple, but expressive. What I appreciated was her comfort in front of the camera. She stayed present and natural.
The Streets Near Free Spirit: Light, Color, and Local Energy
Our final location was the neighborhood around Free Spirit. It had a bit of everything. Alleyways with lanterns. Claw machine arcades. A vending machine that opened into a bar. Small details that made it feel local and familiar.
Clara continued with the same outfit from the previous location. The sheer dress moved with the wind. The leather jacket added structure. The boots grounded the look. Her styling choices kept things consistent, while the environment gave each frame a new layer.
The light was changing. Blue hour had arrived. Clara’s outfit reflected the soft glow of the signs and windows. Her jacket caught the reflections. Her hair shifted with each breeze. She stayed focused and comfortable.
We kept the flow simple. We took photos on staircases, near walls, and in front of shopfronts. Nothing was rushed. Clara’s presence gave each location something extra. Her style fit the surroundings in a way that felt honest.
Scott Braxton’s design helped anchor the shoot. I’ve photographed his pieces in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Bali. This time, it was his silver skirt that opened the shoot. Clara combined it with her own wardrobe, adding her voice. That’s what made the shoot feel complete.
Style, City, and Collaboration
Looking back at the shoot, what stands out most is how naturally it all came together. Clara didn’t just model. She shaped the story. From wardrobe to location, each choice reflected her sense of style and connection to the city. Seoul wasn’t just a backdrop. It was a part of the conversation.
Every location revealed something different. The architecture by Seoul Station gave us stillness and form. The staircase at Free Spirit added movement and edge. The nearby streets brought color, energy, and a hint of surprise. And through it all, Clara’s styling gave each scene its own rhythm.
As a photographer, I’m always looking for those moments when everything clicks. When the environment, the model, and the styling come together in a way that feels real. That’s what happened here. Clara’s creativity made the shoot memorable. Scott Braxton’s design added a signature note. And Seoul gave us the perfect stage to explore it all.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Clara Barbieri
- Designer: Scott Braxton
- Styled by: Clara Barbieri
- Production Assistant: Hannah Do
- Photography by: Paul Tocatlian
If you’re a brand, model, designer, or creative ready to share your story through photography, I’d love to collaborate on a photoshoot. From Seoul to San Francisco, let’s bring your ideas to life. For more information, please contact us.
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