Experimental stylist and photographer, Kevin Cheung, has worked with high profile designers including Maison Margiela, Molly Goddard and Ambush. Originally from Shanghai, Kevin realised his creative passions from a young age. A major influence on his adult life was formed during his childhood years which encouraged him to develop his skills within styling and photography. Now based in Melbourne, Kevin loves to shoot within the nature and landscapes that Australia has to offer. He has also worked with multi-brand store named ‘Slow Waves’ that has given him the opportunity to shoot for brands such as Margiela. Read on to hear more from Kevin about his practice and upcoming work.

What originally prompted you to start a career as a stylist and photographer?

When I was growing up in Shanghai, I spent a lot of time with my parents and their work - my mum owned multiple hip bars, and my dad owned restaurants and was a family documentarian. I remember always going into my mum’s closet and picking out outfits to wear on runway shows that my sister and I held in our hallways. My dad on the other hand would always be carrying around a VHS camcorder and disposable camera, capturing candid moments which reflects a lot within my work. I think being surrounded by that throughout my childhood influenced me to search for my own creative pursuit.

How would you describe your style of work in three words?
Low budget expensive

You base yourself in Melbourne - how do you use the city to influence your creative practices?

I really enjoying shooting on location. It’s amazing what you can discover from walking 10 minutes out of the suburb you live in. There is also so much nature and landscapes to work with not to far out from the CBD. I do feel most influenced when I’m travelling, meeting new people and exploring new places. It enables me to take a new perspective on my work. Melbourne is so small, comfortable and easy to live in. I love the people here and am very lucky to have an amazing group of friends who support and inspire me.

You have worked with labels such as Maison Margiela and Molly Goddard, how did these opportunities arise?

I am very fortunate enough to have access to amazing labels through Slow Waves - a Melbourne multi-brand store housing a range of international labels. I first started shooting campaigns and look books for the store, then slowly became more involved in the business and the labels we housed.

How important is collaboration within your individual practice?
Super! I think working with different artists in the industry opens doors to more opportunities where we facilitate sharing, growing and learning from each other.

Can you talk us through a favourite project that you have worked on?

Recently, I was featured in a creative year book called ‘KIDZ Paris’, curated and art directed by Anna Gardère and Raphaëlle Bellanger. The book features a selection of artists from all around the world, and I created a series of collaged self portraits accompanied by a little written piece. It launched earlier this year, and it’s now stocked at OFR, Palais de Tokyo and Galeries Lafayette, which is pretty exciting!

Are you working on any new projects that we can expect to see in the near future?

I am! There are a few exciting collaboration projects coming up, which have unfortunately been postponed due to COVID-19. I guess you will just have to wait and see!