Some encounters leave a quiet but lasting mark.

Having Erika Belle in my studio was one of those moments.

Known for her powerful presence on stage—where movement becomes statement—Erika stepped into a different kind of space for this shoot: still, intimate, and deeply expressive. What unfolded was something I can only describe as dreamlike—a meeting point between fashion, emotion, and inner strength.

Graceful dance movement captured with flowing red dress creating dramatic shapes in motion.
Dancer twirling in a voluminous red dress creates circular patterns against dark backdrop.
Full-length portrait in flowing red tiered dress against dark backdrop.
Joyful movement captured in twirling red tulle dress against dark background.
Expressive dance pose in flowing red dress shows movement and joy.
Graceful pose in red tiered dress with arms outstretched against dark wall.
Dynamic dance movement in flowing red tulle dress creates dramatic silhouette.
Dancer in flowing red tulle dress performs graceful movements in dramatic studio lighting.
Artistic dance sequence showing movement in a billowing red dress against dark background.
Dramatic dance poses captured in sequence showing flowing red dress movement.
Ethereal movement captured in flowing red fabric against dramatic black background.

This vision came to life thanks to aN extraordinary team.

For the outfits, I involved Roberta Goretti, costume designer (L'Abito fa il monaco, IMDB), whose work is deeply rooted in the search for authenticity. Roberta approached the styling as a dialogue—starting from Erika herself. She developed specific ideas tailored to her presence and history, bringing into the studio a carefully curated selection of pieces, including vintage dresses chosen for their character and memory. Each look was proposed, felt, and inhabited by Erika, allowing the outfits to emerge naturally. Fashion, in this process, became a way to reveal truth rather than to construct an image.

Dramatic portrait series with red lighting highlighting gold accessories and artistic poses.

MakeUP is art

Makeup was entrusted to Ludovica Sechi (@ludovica.sechi.makeupartist), a talented and sensitive make-up artist who followed the entire photoshoot with great care. Her work was never imposed—it evolved with the light, the clothes, and Erika’s expressions, while she assisted us throughout the session with precision and calm dedication.

Dramatic fashion photo series showing a flowing black dress against a dark background with dynamic poses.
Close-up portraits with red lighting highlighting gold necklace and dramatic expressions.
Artistic close-up shots highlighting gold bangles and dramatic expressions in red lighting.
Artistic portrait series featuring gold jewelry and a black v-neck dress in moody lighting.
Expressive dance poses captured in silhouette against deep red studio lighting.
Silhouetted figure in flowing black dress poses dramatically against deep red backdrop.
Expressive dance-like poses in black dress against red-lit studio background.
Dynamic movement series showing flowing black dress against dramatic red backdrop.

Each frame felt painted rather than captured. Erika’s body carried stories, her gaze held intention, and her soul did not ask for permission to be seen. There is a rare balance in her: elegance and force, softness and command. The camera didn’t direct her—it followed her.

Portrait in dramatic red lighting with leather jacket and necklace against dark background.
Atmospheric portrait series with red lighting effects and leather jacket styling.

A special, heartfelt thanks goes to my wife Enza. Not only did she support me throughout the shoot, but she also picked up a camera and became a second photographer, capturing moments from within the process itself—those in-between instants that often hold a different kind of truth.

Fashion portrait in white studio wearing oversized black leather jacket and wide-leg pants.
Editorial fashion poses in black leather jacket and brown wide-leg trousers.
Dynamic fashion poses showing movement in oversized jacket and flowing pants.

My sincere thanks to Jeannie and Federico for believing in my photography, supporting my creative journey and for making this meeting with Erika possible. Thank you, Federico, for the cocktails that became part of the moment, and Jeannie, for your generous advice and presence.

Model in bright turquoise knit dress and white boots poses confidently against grey backdrop.
Energetic dance pose in bright blue sweater dress and white boots against grey background.
Expressive movement captured in turquoise knit dress and white boots.
Dynamic motion shot featuring bright blue sweater dress and white boots.
Close-up detail of white cowboy boots paired with bright turquoise knit dress.
Close-up of sparkly silver choker necklace against bright turquoise fabric.
Studio portrait featuring elegant jewelry and a turquoise top against a dark background.
Close-up portrait showcasing a textured turquoise sweater and coral necklace.

This session was about witnessing a woman whose strength lives quietly beneath the surface, and about the beauty that emerges when trust, fashion, and soul meet in the same space.

I’m deeply grateful for this shared moment and for everyone who helped shape it.

Session Credits

Model: Erika Belle (@dances.in.yohji)

Photography: Francesco Termine (@ftphotographer, @francesco_termine_studio)

Costume Design: Roberta Goretti (L’Abito Fa il Monaco, IMDb, @robertagoretti)

Make-up & Hair: Ludovica Sechi (@ludovica.sechi.makeupartist)

Second Photographer: Enza Paternicò (@enza_pt)

Location: B49 Studio (@b49studio)

Background: Arcus (@arcus_backdrops)

Close-up portrait with warm lighting showing gentle smile in red sleeveless top.