Marimekko Aetheria

Issue 17: Époque marked a decade of Coulture. A decade of fashion and arts through the lens of UNC-Chapel Hill students, of boundary-pushing editorial and of students united by their passion for creating beautiful things.

However, it was also the beginning of a new era for Coulture. Èpoque was the start of an era that celebrates color and art’s ability to shape global conversation. It marked an era inspired by the bold prints and hues found across cultures, art and fashion. 

This new era was ushered in by seven models, each clad in distinct colors and adorned with life-size fabric flowers.

“Marimekko Aetheria” was the photoshoot that not only embodied the heart of this particular issue, but was a culmination of Coulture’s past, present and future. 

It radiated the creative energy that can only be felt when a group of creative directors, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, models and designers come together to create extraordinary art. The type of energy that has no doubt been brimming behind the scenes of every Coulture shoot for the past decade. 

“Marimmeko Aetheria” encapsulated this energy, reinterpreted it and made it its own. 

That energy took form in vibrant hues, distinct shapes and expressive makeup and styling. In turn, it created a surrealist landscape in our very own backyard.

The shoot pays tribute to the Finnish design house for which it was named, and their dedication to vibrant, unapologetic color. The brand is a reminder that fashion is so much more than clothes, it is wearable art. It is art that can make a difference. 

The essence of Marimekko is captured in the styling and beauty. Each model’s look was inspired by 1960s mod fashion. While the original concept focused on monochromatic looks, we found that mixing colors felt more true to Marimekko. Yellow tights were juxtaposed against a striking red romper, a green maxi was layered over pink tights and patterned mini shorts and a white asymmetrical mock-neck mini dress was styled with unexpected green tights.

Our dedication to art and color extended beyond the clothes our models wore. The beauty team turned our models’ faces into canvases, complimenting their natural beauty with bold eyeshadow looks and stunning details like flower petals. 

You may have noticed a certain juicy red flower throughout the “Marimekko Aetheria” spread. Inspired by Marimekko’s’ iconic Unikko print, it also serves as a nod to Coulture’s first edition – where that same print was a primary feature of the styling and backdrop of our inaugural cover.

The print that inspired it all – it was important that we found ways to highlight the abstract flower form through our props on set and through the brilliant designs created by our graphics team. 

Another ode to Coulture’s rich history, this shoot celebrated the riveting editorial of the past 10 years through and through, while simultaneously looking toward an artistic fashion future .

“The focus on color is not just a visual choice but a deliberate homage to what fashion can mean: both a living, breathing canvas and a cultural conversation,” said Èpoque Editor-in-Chief Sophia Katz.     

We hope you love it, and we can not wait to welcome you into a new decade of Coulture. 

Photos by Savannah Matthews