THE RAKE OF THE DRAGON
‍BY FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER NIL HOPE

In the serene landscapes of the French countryside, Nil Hope presents The Rake of the Dragon, a fashion editorial for the South China Morning Post starring Mae Lapres. The narrative blends whimsical charm and cinematic storytelling reminiscent of Wes Anderson and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, placing Mae, a young Chinese model, amid rolling hills and rustic French scenery.

Styled by Manuel Estevez with hair by Cyril Laforet and makeup by Virginie Rascle, Mae embodies a graceful juxtaposition of modern sophistication and pastoral simplicity. Each frame contrasts her contemporary wardrobe with the timeless rural setting, creating a story of disconnection, quiet resilience, and subtle harmony.

Mae interacts sparingly with her surroundings, forming a delicate narrative with a local farmer while remaining largely solitary, highlighting a tension between modern fashion and classic countryside charm. The editorial captures the elegance of movement, the poetry of isolation, and the beauty of finding connection in unexpected places.

‍The Rake of the Dragon is more than a fashion shoot; it is a cinematic experience that transforms style into storytelling, where high fashion, photography, and narrative artistry converge. Nil Hope’s evocative lens turns every image into a journey through elegance, contrast, and the enchantment of the French landscape.