Team Credits:

Photography and Art Direction by Katie Aird
Styling by Sonia Genders
Makeup and hair by Evie Rawnsley
Model: Halle Bagley at Boss Model Management
Editorial Assistant: Hayden Harrison

Fashion Credits:

1 & 5) Bra strap top by Jaded London. Flares by I Am Gia. Earrings by Areesha Ali. Gloves: stylist’s own.
2) Dress by Callie Therese. Shoes by Prada.
3 & 6) Top and tights by Rabanne. Jacket by I Am Gia. Earrings by Areesha Ali.
4 & 8) Top by Glenn Martens x H&M. Earrings by Areesha Ali.
7) Top and skirt by Vivienne Westwood by Iconic Archive. Shoes by Prada. Earrings by Areesha Ali.
9) Dress by Jaded London. Earrings and rings by Areesha Ali.
10) Dress by Callie Therese. Stockings: stylist’s own.

Two years ago, French-American singer-songwriter Crystal Murray had just released her extended EP Twisted Bases, and when she was interviewed by The Forumist at that time,  she expressed her wish not to be put in a box defining her work. Now, as her debut full-length album Sad Lovers and Giants hits the shelves, Crystal’s artistic development and continued freedom seems channeled through three words she likes to use when describing her artistry: growth, evolution and progression. 

“I believe humans and creatives are in a constant evolution of themselves, their taste, their visions of things, of the world,” she says, explaining how she has started “finding beauty in duality. Duality of emotions. Answers in rage, beauty in darkness, sadness in growth.”

Opposites attract in Crystal’s universe. Both sentiments and musical styles are experimentally combined in the storytelling that drives her new record.

“Sad Lovers and Giants is an exploration of contrasting emotions,” Crystal explains. “It’s a combination of melancholy or sadness, represented by ‘Sad Lovers’, and a sense of grandeur or magnitude, represented by ‘Giants’. I wanted to find a name that could remind you of a fairy tale, but not any kind of tale. The one for adults where the truth unfolds.” 

The musical freedom of Twisted Bases has permeated Crystal’s fresh work, as well. With the truthful, mature narration on Sad Lovers and Giants, it is made clear that the genre-expanding path is one that comes completely naturally to her. 

“I think on this one I finally made people understand that it’s a choice, and I’m finally breaking free of the boxes that I was once put in. It also fits with the subject of duality. The duality of emotions, and the duality of genres.”

Crystal Murray’s talent is best understood when experienced in a live setting. Luckily, she performs and tours frequently. For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to catch one of her shows, Crystal says it’s quite difficult to explain how they work. But she gives it a pretty good try: “It’s a FULL-ON SHOW. I’m giving you tears, sex, anger, love, lust. A mix of R&B with shoegaze, pop rock, trip hop. It’s a real roller-coaster ride, but everything makes sense together!”

Just like opposites being drawn together like magnets, some things don’t seem to make sense as a  pairing at first, until you see her perform. An excellent example of Crystal’s vision being actualized is the video for ‘STARMANIAK’, one of the strongest tracks off of her album.

“I like the idea of writing a song that can connect on every level, it can be personal for each individual, this idea of an ‘adult tale’, a tale with no lie,” Crystal says when describing the creative process behind ‘STARMANIAK’. “In this dystopian universe that we live in, the lyrics of this song came very naturally to me, like I found vulnerability in this rage. The words are raw, not poetic, like if I was talking to you. It’s quite direct.” 

When translating the rawness of the album track into video format, Crystal worked closely with creative soulmates to achieve the striking outcome: “The idea of doing something bizarre came from Stephy Galvani, my artistic director, and myself. The song came from somewhere so pure and real that I didn’t want to make a visual just to look good, we wanted something that makes you uncomfortable and makes you re-watch the video to understand where it comes from. We pitched the idea to Charlotte Wales and she brought it to a whole other level, that was visual, smart, and slick. It was exactly what I wanted.”

What Crystal wants often seems to come out of experimentation. Testing and investigating the limits of the given world and of the creative mindset. And not only when it comes to music. “I’ve always loved playing around with visuals and my style. Making visuals that weren’t expected for me to do is always where I will go,” she says, before she shares a quote from fashion creator and artist Martin Margiela: “The ritual of dressing is a composition of the self with our body as a canvas, we build an exterior expressive of the interior: a form of emotion.”

Other sources of inspiration are the femme fatales of pop culture. For example, Crystal mentions a lengthy fascination with Catwoman. “I’ve been obsessing over lots of female fighters,” she confesses, and reveals that the inspiration for the track ‘PAYBACK’ mainly came from Lady Snowblood, a 1973 Japanese vendetta film. 

Since Twisted Bases, Crystal has moved from Paris to London, a change that has perhaps made its mark on her artistic and personal growth, evolution and progression.

“So much beauty and new ideas come about when you move to a city you don’t know. It’s challenging, and sometimes a bit lonely. But this warmth and excitement of the unknown is so inspiring to me, the love that London has for music is the feeling I was looking for. I have this familiarity of music being a part of me, of my family, my blood. London has that in the roots of each and every individual or ethnicity.”

As Crystal herself put it above, the world can appear to be a dystopian place in these troubled and troubling times. When asked for her thoughts on how we can overcome the challenges of our day together, Crystal’s answer is straight forward and realistic, but nevertheless uplifting. “It scares me. The future scares me. But I’m a believer in art and hard work. I believe in my career, visions, and music.” 

The key can be self-belief, without forgetting the artistic beauty the world has to offer. And without closing your eyes to your surroundings. “The more I navigate the world the more I realize how artists need to be aware of what’s happening around us. What the people need right now is to heal, but the healing process is not there yet. So, for now we fight, we share, we create and try to believe in a better tomorrow.”

Talent: Crystal Murray

Team Credits:
Words by Filip Lindström
Photography by Nikolaz Le Coq
Styling by Barbara Boucard
Makeup by Caroline Joos
Hair by Lucile Bertrand
Stylist assistant: Leonie Olmos

Fashion Credits:
1) Top and wool knit panties by MM6, Underbra by Her Senses, Waders by Untitled19
2) Shirt by Untitled19, Earrings by Florence Moorhead
3) Coat by Untitled19, Jumpsuit and Necklace by Vivienne Westwood. Shoes by MM6, Rings Crystals own
4) Full look by Ottolinger , Shoes by Empty Behavior, Rings Crystals own.
5) Top and legging by Keta Gutmane, Shoes by Empty Behavior, Necklace by Danna Merveille
6) Shirt by Vivienne Westwood
7-10) Top and legging by Keta Gutmane, Shoes by Empty Behavior, Necklace by Danna Merveill
11) Corset by Vivienne Westwood, Panties by MM6, Shoes by Miista, Rings Crystals own
12)Full look by Vivienne Westwood, Rings Crystals own

Team Credits:

Photographer by Valerie Archeno
Stylist by Celine de Selva
Grooming by Martine Peguet
Photo assistant: Moroé Poupeau
Models :
Binta D at Fever Model Management Moussa at Smith & Smith.
Anna at Smith & Smith.
Ethan at Garçons by Gervais.
Isadora at Titanium Management Moroe.
Orisha at Crystal Models Management

Fashion Credit:

1) Dress by Caroline Rohmer, belt by Gerard Darel.
2) Moussa – Jacket by Hugo Boss.
Anna – Shirt by Karl Lagerfeld, trousers by Isabel Marant.
3) Tee shirt by Gap, Trousers by Standards, Coat by Yohji Yamamoto.
4) Moussa – Shirt by Peter Hahn, Jacket by Burton of London, jeans by Lee Cooper.
Binta – Sweatshirt by H&M, Skirt by Chris Castellane Paris.
5) Jacket by Vivienne Westwood, jeans by Diesel.
6) Printed shirt by Moschino on Black shirt by Gant.
7) Vintage 80’s sequin dress, glasses by Oakley.
8) Sweatshirt by RockEagle.
9) Moussa – Shirt by Armani, jeans by Levi’s.
Binta – Shirt by Jacquemus, vintage trousers by Kenzo Jungle.
10) Isadora – Overalls by Biba, belt by La Bagagerie.
Ethan – Polo shirt by Zara, Jacket by Franck et Fils, Trousers by Dries van Noten.
11) Tank top by Eres.
12) Jacket by Tommy Hilfiger, Shirt by Agnès b.
13) Shirt by Peter Hahn, Jacket by Burton of London, Glasses by Stone.

Team Credits:

Photography by Maxime Coué
Styling by Maud Dupuy
Makeup by Laurie Moreau
Hair by Alexis Mercier
Lighting by Viktor Podčacha
Model Maneesha

Fashion Credits:

1&2) Dress as top by JUANA MARTÍN. Fake-fur skirt by Jarel Zhang. Mini skirt by Solène Lescouët. Boots by Vivienne Westwood from ESCO
3) Jacket by Comme Des Garçons – AW2013 from Passage Archives. Top by Vintage Issey Miyake. Jewels stylist’s own
5) Headpiece as a top by Céline Shen. Shorts by The Unissen. Bra by Tribal Hotel. Shirt as a belt by EENK. Shorts by Theunissen. Dress as a skirt by R.I.E.. Boxing shoes by Barbara Bui from ESCO
6) Jacket by Comme Des Garçons – AW2013 from Passage Archives. Top by Vintage Issey Miyake. Jewels stylist’s own
7) T-Shirt by Jean Paul Gaultier from ESCO. Top by Christian Dior, Belt by Yves Saint Laurent, Trousers by EENK. Skirt by Jarel Zhang
8) Headpiece as a top by Céline Shen. Shorts by The Unissen. Bra by Tribal Hotel. Shirt as a belt by EENK. Shorts by Theunissen. Dress as a skirt by R.I.E.. Boxing shoes by Barbara Bui from ESCO
9) Jacket by Comme Des Garçons – AW2013 from Passage Archives. Top by Vintage Issey Miyake. Jewels stylist’s own
11) T-Shirt by Jean Paul Gaultier from ESCO. Top by Christian Dior, Belt by Yves Saint Laurent, Trousers by EENK. Skirt by Jarel Zhang
13) Top by Peng Tai. Knitted sleeves by Tribal Hotel. Necklace by Chanel. Earrings by Rochas.
25) Blazer by RuiRui Deng. Top by Jan Jan Van Essche. Sleeves as headpiece by Tribal Hotel. Pants by Peng Tai. Belt and shoes stylist’s own vintage from Paris.
14) Body by Jacquemus. Shirt by Ayten Alkhayat. Bra by Peng Tai. Skirt by EENK. Necklace, cowboy boots and socks are stylist’s own vintage from travels
16) Dress by Kenzo from ESCO. Long Sleeve by Jean Paul Gaultier from IRREGULAR. Top by JUANA MARTÍN. Head scarf stylist’s own vintage from Greece.
17) Body by Jacquemus. Shirt by Ayten Alkhayat. Bra by Peng Tai. Skirt by EENK. Necklace, cowboy boots and socks are stylist’s own vintage from travels
19) Dress as top by JUANA MARTÍN. Fake-fur skirt by Jarel Zhang. Mini skirt by Solène Lescouët. Boots by Vivienne Westwood from ESCO
21) Body by Jacquemus. Shirt by Ayten Alkhayat. Bra by Peng Tai. Skirt by EENK. Necklace, cowboy boots and socks are stylist’s own vintage from travels
23) Top by Peng Tai. Knitted sleeves by Tribal Hotel. Necklace by Chanel from IRREGULAR. Earrings by Rochas from IRREGULAR .
25) Blazer by RuiRui Deng. Top by Jan Jan Van Essche. Sleeves as headpiece by Tribal Hotel. Pants by Peng Tai. Belt and shoes stylist’s own vintage from Paris.

Team Credits:

Photography by Marie Dalmasso
Styling by Victorie Seveno
Make-up by Hind Sousan
Hair by Raynald Croix Bernard
Models Emeli Cestari, Tessa Dixson & Belle Vanderkley

Fashion Credits:

1) Top and bag by JOHANNA PARV
2) T-shirt by Meiloumi. Jeans by The Frankie Shop. Shoes by Nike. Sunglasses by Oakley
3) Shirt by Dries van Noten. Corset by KRIBA. Skirt vintage. Jeans by The Frankie Shop. Shoes vintage
4) Zip sweater by Sergio Tacchini. Leather corset and pants by Dromz. Shoes by Dries van Noten. Socks by Nike
5) Sweater by Maison J. Simone. Shorts by Transe Paris. Tights by FALKE
6) Dress by Dries van Noten
7) T-Shirt by Dickies. Corset by KRIBA
8) Hat by AXEL ARIGATO. Necklace by Acne Studios
9) Skirt by Maison J. Simone. Mesh Top by KLG. Jacket by Vivienne Westwood
10) Sweater by Maison J. Simone. Jacket by Vivienne Westwood

Team Credit:
Photography by DENNIS MEBROUKI
Styling by MI-RAN SUH
Hair & Makeup JOSEPHIN MARTENS at BIGOUDI
Model: NIKE at MODELWERK

Fashion credit:
1) Top Prada. Necklace Elisabetta Franchi. Earrings by Chloé.
2) Dress white Hervé Léger. Harness Vivienne Westwood. Earrings Isabel Marant.
3) Shirt MM6. Necklace Weekend Max Mara. Earrings Vivienne Westwood.
4) Blazer Zoe Karssen. Earring silver Paco Rabanne. Earcuff Swarovski.
5) Blazer Zoe Karssen. Bomberjacke Alpha Industries. Bra Off-White. Gloves Nike. Rings Versace. Earrings Rejina Pyo.
6) Body Calvin Klein. Jacket Hugo. Gloves Karl Lagerfeld. Earrings Oscar De La Renta. Necklace JW Anderson.

Beauty Credits:
1) Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade. Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer. Armani Crema Nuda Foundation.
2) Armani Fluid Sheer Primer. Chanel Palette Essentielle . Urban Decay Brow Blade.
3) Loreal Tecni.art Wet Domination Shower Shine. Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Youth Glow Filter Seduce Blush. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Duo Highlighter.
4) Paul Mitchell Curls Twirl Around. Schwarzkopf Silhouette Hairspray. Nars Oural Brow Gel.
5) Loreal Wild Stylers Scruff Me. Osis Dust It Powder. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream.
6) Redken Styling Volumen Thickening Lotion, Paul Mitchell Daily Boost Root Lift Spray. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre.
7) Yves Saint Laurent – Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream.

Film Credits:
Cutting by CHRISTIAN CANSIN MEYER
Color grading by MERLIN JAHN
Video and concept by SAMIRA KREUELS 

Team Credits:
Photography by SAMIRA KREUELS 
Model by WESLEY BEDIAKO 
Styling by ANNE NEWMAN 
Hair & Makeup by MELANIE BULU 
Retouch by MARINA KARASKEVICH

Fashion Credits:

#1 shirt by BODE, short by RICK OWENS DRKSHDW, bracelet by MIANSAI, hat by LEVI’S
#2 jeans by JAQUEMUS
#3 shirt by ISABELLA MARANT, short by BODE, jeans by JAQUEMUS
#4 suit by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, scarf by DOLCE & GABBANA
#5 jacket by NANUSHKA, t-shirt by JIL SANDER, shorts by MARNI, hat by LOEWE
#6 blazer by JAQUEMUS, shirt by PRADA, shorts by JAQUEMUS
#7 blazer by DRIES VAN NOTEN, t-Shirt by GABRIELA HEARST, jeans by NANUSHKA
#8 ring left by GUESS, ring right by FENDI

Team Credits:
Photographer: Jakob Tillmann
Hair & Make-Up: Norbert Cheminel at Kathrin Hohberg Artists using Mac Cosmetics
Styling: Izabela Macoch at Kathrin Hohberg Artists
Model: Lila Poter at Iconic Management

Fashion Credits:
1 & 2# Dress by Damur. Ring by Mies Nobis
3# Shirt by Michael Sontag. Pants by Victoria Victoria Beckham
4 & 5# Coat by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania. Shirt by Hannes Kettritz. Earring by Gina Melosi,.Tights by Falke
6# Shirt by Michael Sontag. Pants by Victoria Victoria Beckham. Ribbon by Nobi Talai
7# Shirt by Hannes Kettritz. Earring by Gina Melosi
8# Dress by Butterflysoulfire. Socks by Falke
9# Body by Alexandre Vauthier. Socks by Damur
10 & 11# Suit by Hannes Kettitz. Shirt by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania. Shoes by Fendi. Ring by Mies Nobis
12# Vest by Michael Sontag. Dress by Max Mara Leisure. Pants by Nobi Talai

Team Credits:

Photography by Olivia Haudry 
Styling by Barbara Boucard 
Model: Marylou Asdrubal

Fashion Credits:

#1 and #2 Full look by Kenzo 
#3 Corset by Vivienne Westwood 
#4 Top, skirt and shoes by Dior, Hat by Emilio Pucci 
#5 Dress by Damowang, Trousers by SUNCOO and shoes by Emilio Pucci
#6 Jumpsuit and boots by MM6, Hood by COS
#7 Dress by MM6

Team Credits:
Photography by Alexander Neumann 
Styling by Angel Macias
Hair by Koji Ichikawa
Make-up by Honda Tadayoshi Honda
Model: Martine Dirkzwager at ELITE Models

Fashion Credits:
#1 Leather top by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, Skirt by LIMENG YE
#2 Feather hat by GABRIELA OSTOLAZA, Blazer by HAIDER ACKERMANN
#3 Shorts by PENULTIMATE, Tank top by MARNI
#4 Jacket and trousers by PENULTIMATE, Shirt by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
#5 Sweater by PENULTIMATE, Trousers by ACNE STUDIOS
#6 Jacket by PENULTIMATE
#7 Top by ANN DEMEULEMEESTER, Denim jacket by DOLCE & GABBANA
#8 Top by JIL SANDER
#9 body suit by LIMENG YE