Leon (Left): Navy Jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES; striped turtleneck zip-up FRED PERRY; rolled up pants KINGS OF INDIGO; gray/blue sneakers NIKE @ OVERKILL. Kevin (right): beige button jacket SISSI GOETZE; zipped patch sleeve turtleneck KIOMI; wool camel pants SISSI GOETZE; silver rings YAKAMOZZ
Immigration is a hot topic in Germany right now no doubt, whilst this tends to conjure up a certain stereotype for most people, Achtung interviewed Julien Barbès, who immigrated to Berlin four years ago from Montreal to develop as a photographer. He tells us about his inspiration for the Brutalist Editorial above exclusively on Achtung and how it was to shoot in one of the dodgier areas of Berlin, along with his thoughts on the differences between his homeland and his new city.
Florian (left): Printed hoodie CHEAP MONDAY. Leon (Middle): Navy Jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES; striped turtleneck zip-up FRED PERRY. Kevin (right): Zipped patch sleeve turtleneck KIOMI
Kevin: Zipped patch sleeve turtleneck KIOMI
What originally drew you into fashion photography?
I started a street wear brand with my friends back in Montreal when we were younger; I was the one taking the photographs for look books and magazines so I got more and more drawn into the photography side rather than the brand itself. I decided to study at Dawson College (Montreal) and at about 19 I started assisting in Montreal and New York, with some big name fashion photographers.
Kevin (Left): Camo jacket ASOS; burgundy hoodie UNIQLO; white printed tee DICKIES. Florian (Right): Moss green wool neck jacket WRANGLER; gold velvet tee ASOS; green zip bumbag ALPHA INDUSTRIES; brown checked pants TIGER OF SWEDEN
You’re originally from Montreal but now living full time in Berlin, how does life compare between the two?
Back in Montreal the fashion scene was a little less developed, there are some great photographers but I was getting bored there. I came to Berlin a few years ago for the Bread and Butter festival, fell in love with the creativity of the city and realized that this was the best place for me to develop as a photographer! So I decided to learn German and move to Berlin. I think a lot of creatives are coming to Berlin instead of Paris or London because it is a culture that is moving so fast and it’s inspiring, which pushes everyone to do more.
Leon: Hooded black jacket WEEKDAY; gray tee AKSET; black pants WRANGLER
Florian (left): Black sleepless vest SISSI GOETZE; grey tie-dye hoodie WEEKDAY; black pants WRANGLER. Kevin (Right): mint parker jacket PUMA X HAN KJOBENHAVN, gray jeans WRANGLER
Leon (Left): green baseball cap HERSCHEL; stone-gray mix cotton tapered suit SISSY GOETZE; green tee ASKET. Florian (Right): Moss green wool neck jacket WRANGLER; gold velvet tee ASOS; green zip bumbag ALPHA INDUSTRIES; brown checked pants TIGER OF SWEDEN
Kevin: Camo jacket ASOS; burgundy hoodie UNIQLO; white printed tee DICKIES; silver bracelet YAKAMOZZ
Tips for younger photographers thinking about breaking to fashion?
It’s a very complicated process for new photographers to find their own style and niche, I had the revelation early on that I had to stay true to myself, as a skater I found myself taking photographs in natural light and more street wear. It is difficult to become known for your signature style, but you have to pursue it and practice. There will of course be things to block you along the way but stay true to yourself and stay original.
Kevin (Left): Camo jacket ASOS; burgundy hoodie UNIQLO; white printed tee DICKIES. Leon (Right): Red puffer jacket WEEKDAY; black shirt CHEAP MONDAY; denim overalls DICKIES
Inspiration behind the shoot?
Brutalism. La Haine, it’s one of my favorite movies, I wanted to do something brutal and real like the movie, something to reflect the harshness and rawness of city lifestyle. With male models they’re always ready to try everything and they were perfect for this shoot, so we put three boys together in this harsh brutalist architecture in Berlin and got this really organic shoot with natural emotion! The location, Kreuzberg, is known for being a poor area and we heard sometimes the neighbors throw things from the windows if you’re being too loud.
Leon: Hooded black jacket WEEKDAY; gray tee AKSET
PHOTOGRAPHY Julien Barbès
STYLING Veronique Helmschrott
Hair; Make-up: Katja Maassen
Models: Florian / PMA Management; Kevin / Iconic Management; Leon / Core Management
