Photography: Eleonora
Model: Yên
Make-up: Geneva
Editor: Holly Hoover

During uncertain times as the ones we are living this year, we have more time to slow down, reflect on feelings and finally be able to think again. This year is a metamorphosis. I've seen an interesting link between this concept of metamorphosis and transsexuality and I hope to express this research trough this project based on the emotions of people in transition. My first model is Yen , she/them just started her transition, we talked a lot during the shoot and I tried to catch her delicate and sweet personality.

EYES & EDGE: How did you begin creating art?
Eleonora :Since I remember, I always did. When I was a kid and had to deal with for instance math and science, that I hated, my only way to keep attention up and learn was to draw during the class.Photography came later. Making art was my way to calm down a bit of a nervous mind, which is part of my personality.

E&E: What led you to photography?
Eleonora :My dad gave me my first camera when I was 4, I have many so underexposed pictures of that period, really not a photographer focused on technique at all!! But I find interesting to see now, what a kid eyes see. I started to think more about photography when I was sixteen. It was a tough period and a lot was going on. Being an introvert,I needed a way to comunicate better and the camera became the expression of a deep inner journey, that I never quite stopped. This research brought me to look for an intense emotional connection with the person, during my portraits sessions.

E&E: Tell us about this editorial. Give us an introduction to your creation.
Eleonora :This editorial came up as a long term project. I always admired the courage that girls in transition have to affirm themselves to a still closed-minded world ( it's less evident in NYC, but it still not fully accepted in many parts of the world) and I wanted to explore their feelings and try to catch as much as possible, all the beauty of this change, dreams and nightmares.

E&E: What inspired you to create this editorial?
Eleonora:I always put the person first, so the subject influenced for sure.

E&E: How dId you find Yen as your talent?
Eleonora: Thanks to backstage, a platform for actors and performing artists, which I love because is full of interesting people. Plus we discovered that we had some common connections

E&E: Where do you hope this editorial goes?
Eleonora: I strongly believe that fashion photography and a more documentary approach can get along together. I hope to see a deeper meaning into fashion, never as this year the world is changing, and fashion is too.

E&E: Who's eyes are you hoping to catch?
Eleonora: Let me be a bit drama.... people soul's eyes?! I hope to bring attention on themes such as sensitivity, acceptance, understanding. We all have issues understand each others sometimes, but to accept our fragilities make the real change

E&E: Where can we find you on social media and online?
Eleonora :@_etpix / www.eleonoratrullo.com

INTERVIEW WITH MODEL, YEN:

EYES & EDGE: How did you begin modeling and finding comfort in front of the camera?
YEN: I slowly began in 2018, which is when I started my transition and being open about it. Surprisingly, people were responding to my stories and asked me to be featured in various projects so it kind of just started from there! I was originally a fashion girl working as an editor and stylist but these experiences of being on the other side of the camera opened my eyes to possibilities that I initially thought were impossible for someone like me: short, Southeast Asian and Trans. Although now, I’ve been pursuing Acting seriously for a little less than a year now, while modeling when I can. I honestly found comfort in front of the camera prior to the start of my modeling career, as I had a personal and style blog where I’d do shoots with friends and would always post OOTD’s on my instagram, so being in front of the camera wasn’t entirely new for me when I started.

E&E: How has your transition helped with your artwork?
YEN: It helped me become fearless, honest (to others and myself) and vulnerable. People will always have something to say but If what I create and share in the moment is true to my soul and has good progressive intentions, then that’s all that matters to me. My transition has forged this powerful relationship I now have with myself and it taught me to trust and believe in myself because if I didn’t then I wouldn’t actually be happy right now.

E&E: How do you connect to art? What inspires you?
YEN: I connect through art by of course aesthetics because I love beautiful things, but also through the artist and their stories, like are they Asian, Vietnamese, Queer or Trans? If so, then it takes my connection emotionally to the pieces to a different level beyond the superficial. My Queer and Trans fam always inspire me, to see them unapologetically living their best lives while also helping and uplifting one another. There is so much love in the community and I’m so grateful to be apart of it, despite the hardships we face daily. For us to be living, going after our dreams, smiling, laughing, loving and thriving are all forms of rebellion and resistance in a country that tries to erase us time after time. We won’t be erased, not ever again.

E&E: Did your connection with art change while you were COVID-19 locked down?
YEN: COVID made me appreciate art in all forms so much more. It helped keep me sane and inspired in a time of isolation which is so important as an Actor, model and overall creative. There is so much to learn and see, various arts that we aren’t taught about in schools by POC, queer and trans artists and creatives. We need to reclaim our history and ancestors art by learning about it, and COVID really allowed us the time to do so.

E&E: Where do you hope this editorial goes? Who's eyes are you hoping to catch?
YEN: I honestly hope people from all walks of life get to see this. I hope transphobic folks see this so they can see me thriving regardless of their ignorant opinions and to see that we’re not the negative narratives they make us up to be. I hope young folks see this so they can be inspired and know that they too can achieve anything if they put their mind to it; I still have a ways to go but truly nothing is impossible. I want Queer, Trans, and Asian folks to see this and I hope they see a bit of themselves in these images. I also hope folks who see this can see beauty in their imperfections just as I do with mine.

E&E: Where can we find you on social media and online?
YEN: Instagram: @bonjour.yen YouTube: Bonjour Yên Website: bonjouryen.com and soon as a co-star (maybe lead who knows) on a Netflix, HBO, or Hulu show or in a critically acclaimed feature or indie film. Manifesting!!!!!

This will be a long term series showcasing a beauty editorial highlighting the courage that girls in transition face.