Ben Toms’ editorial Recumbents is a playful exploration of form, function, and fashion. This series transforms everyday furniture into an off-kilter stage, where clothing and objects collide in unexpected, whimsical ways. Nothing feels rigid or predictable; instead, the editorial revels in imbalance, color, and imaginative storytelling.
Furniture as Muse
The designs by Gaetano Pesce take center stage, bending and twisting traditional expectations of furniture into sculptural, almost character-like pieces. Chaotic yet precise, the chairs, loungers, and installations act as both props and partners for the models. They tilt, recline, and interact, creating a sense of motion and narrative that feels alive.
Clothing in Dialogue
Robbie Spencer’s styling complements the eccentricity of the furniture. Garments are layered, textured, and occasionally surreal, blurring the line between wearable fashion and conceptual art. The clothing does not dominate the scene—it responds to it, balancing against the shapes and angles of the furniture, creating a visual tension that keeps the eye moving.
Photography That Plays
Ben Toms’ lens captures this interplay beautifully. His compositions favor off-kilter angles, subtle distortions, and framing that emphasizes both the whimsy and the architectural qualities of the set. Shadows, light, and perspective are used to heighten the surreal tone, making every shot feel like a scene from a dreamworld where gravity and logic are optional.
The editorial feels simultaneously playful and intellectual, a commentary on design, fashion, and space without ever feeling heavy-handed. It invites the viewer to linger, explore, and discover hidden details, much like a gallery installation brought to life on the page.
Final Word
Recumbents is imaginative, whimsical, and strikingly clever. Through Pesce’s furniture, Spencer’s styling, and Toms’ photography, the editorial becomes a playful exploration of balance, narrative, and artistry that is as thoughtful as it is fun.
Credits
Photographer: Ben Toms
Stylist: Robbie Spencer
Design: Gaetano Pesce
Category: Editorial / Fashion Photography
Photographer: Ben Toms
Stylisty: Robbie Spencer
Design: Gaetano Pesce
