Zuzu Valla, a self-taught fashion and portrait photographer based in Kent, UK, is renowned for her distinctive digital signature that passionately explores the multifaceted layers of human beauty. Her work celebrates diversity and everything considered out of the ordinary, challenging conventional beauty standards with a focus on inclusivity and authenticity.
Artistic Philosophy and Message
Valla’s photography is driven by a core message: beauty is universal and exists in everyone, waiting to be recognized by those open to seeing it. From the outset of her career, she has been drawn to unconventional models, initially captivated by features like freckles and red hair. Her work emphasizes that beauty transcends traditional norms, advocating for a world where diversity—whether in disability, body type, or ethnicity—is celebrated as the norm. “I want to go through a magazine and see all kinds of diversity without pointing out that there are disabled models, plus-size, or Black models,” she says, aiming to reshape perceptions, especially for younger generations influenced by idealized social media standards.
Her recent project with Vogue Portugal was inspired by Alessia Glaviano’s work with inclusive fashion, featuring models outside outdated beauty standards wearing high-fashion brands like Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Bora Aksu. This experience was a profound awakening for Valla, teaching her gratitude and the importance of meaningful advocacy. Working with a large team of 25 people, she honed her skills in communication and collaboration, inspired by her models’ stories of overcoming obstacles and embracing self-love.
Creative Process and Model Connection
Valla’s approach to photography is deeply immersive, as she describes thinking about art and photography “24/7.” For her, creating art is synonymous with being alive, and stagnation feels like a creative death. She finds her models through a mix of street scouting—in places like supermarkets or public transport—and collaborations with inclusive agencies like Radical Beauty and Zebedee Talent. When approaching potential models, she presents her work through fine-art business cards or her Instagram portfolio, building immediate trust with transparency about her vision.
To establish the deep trust evident in her work, Valla prioritizes creating a safe and open environment. Her ability to connect with models stems from genuine engagement and shared understanding, fostering an atmosphere where vulnerability is embraced. Her collaborations with hair and makeup artists, stylists, and set designers further enhance her creative process, sparking new ideas and adding depth to her visual storytelling.
Notable Projects and Publications
Valla’s work has been widely recognized, appearing in prestigious publications such as Vogue Portugal, British Vogue, Photo Vogue, Art+Commerce, L’Officiel Baltic, L’Officiel Lithuania, Joy Hungary, Infringe, Schön!, Kaltblut, Liberatum, Sguardo, Feroce, Raw, Dark Beauty Magazine, Hunger, HUF, Purplehaze, Pap, Coyculture, Roidx, Selin, Ellements, Volant, Boyfriend, StyleCruize, Monaco Magazine, Goji, Pump 1723, Gmaro, Marika, Vous, Avessa, INTRA, Glamville, Malvie, Top Posters, and Luxiders. Her Vogue Portugal editorials, under editor-in-chief Sofia Lucas, featured models like Lauren Hilaire, Livi Deane, and Mollie Pearce from Zebedee Talent, with art direction, styling, and set design by collaborators like Sara Carpentieri, Chez Style, Yalk Style, and Ghost Them on Set. Notable designs included pieces by Bora Aksu and Ana Ljubinkovic, with background music by Borrtex (Changing).
Other projects include editorials for Infringe Magazine with model Sans Melanin, Coyculture with Siobhan Blackburn, and collaborations with brands like TwoPointTwoStudio and IA London, featuring models like the Barnes Twins. Her work consistently blends high fashion with inclusive representation, supported by talented teams of stylists, makeup artists (e.g., Bryanna Angel, Aimee Twist), and hair designers (e.g., Lauren Bell, Chloe Slushlocks).
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Valla views rejection as an inevitable part of the artistic journey but reframes it as an opportunity for growth. She advises artists to focus on the joy of the creative process rather than external validation, asking themselves, “Are we genuinely enjoying what we are doing, or are we doing it for fame or publication?” She encourages honesty about one’s motivations and emphasizes that satisfaction and happiness in creation diminish the sting of rejection. Valla also suggests aligning submissions with platforms that match one’s aesthetic, as editors receive countless proposals daily and select based on fit. “Think positive, be happy, and you will attract people that are positive and happy,” she advises, advocating for resilience and authenticity.
Reflecting on her own self-doubt, Valla admits she often dislikes her own work but sees this as a driver for continuous learning. “It is good not to be satisfied, as it will lead you to constantly develop and learn new things,” she notes, warning against complacency as a “creativity killer.” Her faith guides her through setbacks, trusting that rejections are part of a larger plan.
Inspirations
Valla draws inspiration from hair and makeup artists, techno music, movies, cloudy weather, and melancholic moods. These elements fuel her creative process, sparking new ideas and adding emotional depth to her work.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Valla plans to continue working with disabled models and promoting all-inclusive diversity while experimenting with new styles and pushing creative boundaries. She is excited about collaborating with students, whom she finds full of fresh ideas, and is currently planning three new projects. Her ambition is to keep creating meaningful work that challenges norms and inspires change, all while wishing for “more than 24 hours in a day” to bring her visions to life.
Contact and Further Information
Explore Zuzu Valla’s portfolio at www.zuzuvalla.com or follow her on Instagram at @zuzu.valla. For inquiries, contact her directly through her website.
