Fashion Misfits: Redefining Beauty Standards Through Portrait Photography

A Portrait Series Celebrating Unconventional Aesthetics

Inspired by daily interactions and life experiences, Sanjyot Telang, a contemporary artist, explores the delicate and melancholic moments of life through a cinematic lens. Drawing inspiration from principles of design, cinema, vintage fashion, and daily life, Telang embarked on a mission to redefine beauty standards and provide a space for disabled individuals to express themselves fashionably.

The "Fashion Misfits" series captures the unique beauty and individuality of girls with Down Syndrome. By featuring these models, Telang aims to challenge the traditional notions of beauty and open up a dialogue about inclusivity in the fashion industry. Disabled individuals have long been overlooked and marginalized, and it is time to celebrate their beauty and contributions.

Utilizing the Canon 5D mark ii, Canon 70-200mm f2.8, and Canon 50mm lenses, Telang captures the essence of each model with a combination of natural and continuous lighting. The images are then enhanced through color correction in Lightroom and further refined in Photoshop. The result is a series of stunning portraits that showcase the unique personalities and beauty of each model.

The project was not without its challenges. Finding an NGO that shared Telang's vision and securing a team of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals were initial hurdles. However, through perseverance and determination, Telang was able to bring together a team of talented professionals including fashion stylist Debangini Nath and hair and makeup artist Romi Thokchom.

The "Fashion Misfits" project took a year to execute, with extensive research and planning going into creating the visual style and mood for each portrait. Telang prepared a moodboard with visual references to convey the desired emotions, colors, backgrounds, and lighting. Building trust and rapport with the models and their families was also crucial in ensuring a comfortable and collaborative environment during the shoot.

The "Fashion Misfits" series has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in Photography and Photo Manipulation Design in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes the project's outstanding creativity and ingenuity in redefining beauty standards and promoting inclusivity. Telang's work exemplifies the integration of art, science, design, and technology, contributing to a better and more inclusive world.

Through "Fashion Misfits," Sanjyot Telang has created a powerful and thought-provoking series that challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of diversity. By opening up channels for unconventional aesthetics, Telang hopes to inspire the fashion and advertising industry to embrace inclusivity and provide opportunities for everyone to express themselves fashionably.