What happens when fashion finds its rhythm in the city? On the cover of OFF TOWN Magazine, model Elasha Chhantyal wears a dress by New York fashion designer Bach Mai.
This editorial came together on the streets of Melbourne, a city that continues to shape my journey as a photographer. I returned to Melbourne to celebrate the release of The Melbourne Portraits Project, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.
The city’s modern architecture offered the perfect backdrop. Against its sharp lines and metallic surfaces, Elasha brought both strength and ease, styling herself with quiet confidence. Her movements, her gaze, and her effortless connection with the environment gave the series its raw, urban character.
The Mood of the Editorial with Elasha Chhantyal
The series conveys resilience and poise. Elasha’s presence is powerful, yet understated. In each pose, she balances the grit of the city with the elegance of couture. Her boots ground her while the dress moves with fluidity, catching light against steel and stone. Sunglasses and minimal styling add an edge, letting her natural expression and Bach Mai’s craftsmanship shine. The result is a set of images that feel cinematic and modern. There is no excess, only balance. Fashion meets place, and story meets frame.
The Dress That Travels With Me
The dress featured in this shoot is by Bach Mai, a designer I’ve admired for years. This particular piece has been a constant companion on my travels. I’ve photographed it in Bali, Paris, Seoul, and Melbourne, and it remains one of the most versatile designs in my collection. Each location gives the dress a new identity, shaped by its surroundings and the energy of the model wearing it.
Soon, I plan to photograph it again in the San Francisco Bay Area, followed by my upcoming trip to Japan later this year. Few designs carry this level of adaptability and storytelling potential. It also appears in my newly published zine Prelude and will be featured in my upcoming photo book Fashion & Editorial Photography: Sixteen Tales From Around The World.
Bach Mai: Couture Craftsmanship with a Modern Edge
Bach Mai continues to shape American fashion with designs that merge couture craftsmanship and contemporary expression. I’ve had the privilege of photographing his work at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) on two occasions, where his collections captivated audiences with structure, vibrant color, and meticulous detail.
His acclaim extends well beyond the runway. Vogue first introduced him as “an American couturier in the making”. PaperCity celebrated him as fashion’s next big thing. Teen Vogue offered an intimate look at his “Road to the Runway” process during NYFW. In OutSmart Magazine, he was the subject of a “Ground-breaking Glamour” cover story. His work has also appeared in InStyle, Fashionista, Coveteur, and Houston CityBook. On the red carpet, his designs dressed Josie Totah for the GLAAD Awards, as covered by Teen Vogue.
As September approaches, anticipation builds for the unveiling of the Bach Mai Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) collection at NYFW. Based on his trajectory, this next chapter promises to push boundaries and inspire creatives worldwide.
Thank you, OFF TOWN Magazine
Having this series published in OFF TOWN Magazine is a celebration of collaboration and a reminder of why I love what I do. It is about people, places, and the stories clothing tells under light and through expression. Seeing Elasha embody that vision in Bach Mai’s design against Melbourne’s architecture is something I will remember well beyond the printed pages.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Elasha Chhantyal
- Fashion Designer: Bach Mai
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
If you are a brand, designer, model, or creative looking to bring your story to life, I would love to collaborate. Let’s craft compelling visual narratives that capture the essence of fashion and transform moments into timeless images. Whether on the runway or in the streets, together we can create something extraordinary.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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