This is how Kat Cuenca's Art+ cover looks turned the runway into her canvas, melding sculptural elegance with fashion finesse

by Mika Reyes
Photos by Santi Albalate
January 3, 2024

In the newest cover of Art+ Magazine, Kat Cuenca emerges as the muse, donning two ensembles that embody the essence of her creative spirit for the cover of Art+ magazine. We delve into the stylistic choices and the collaborative symphony of the creative minds behind the lens.

A Symphony of Sculptural Elegance

For the cover, Cuenca graced the lens in a pleated structural gown crafted by the genius hands of Nathan Clothiers. The garment, an avant-garde masterpiece, undulates with a rhythmic flow, echoing the very essence of the artist's sculptures. Its structural grace harmonizes with the fluidity of Cuenca's art, creating a visual sonnet that transcends the boundaries between fashion and art.

The second act unveiled an off-shoulder corseted off-white dress, adorned with exquisite embroidery on the skirt, a creation of the talented Monette Leil Dexter. With hues reminiscent of an Oscar de la Renta canvas, this dress brought forth a sense of timeless elegance, echoing the intricate details found in Cuenca's sculptures.

In Conversation with Kat Cuenca

In an exclusive interview, Cuenca shared her thoughts on the ensembles, revealing a genuine appreciation for the intersection of fashion and art. "The cover gown is very reminiscent of my artwork," she mused. "I love the flow of it. It felt like a very sculptural piece, which I really appreciated being someone who's in the industry that makes such things."

As for the second dress, she expressed admiration for its resemblance to Oscar de la Renta aesthetics. "I love the colors and the color of the embroidery," Cuenca enthused, emphasizing the symbiosis between her art and the garments.

Behind the Lens

The visual narrative was meticulously crafted by the dynamic duo of stylists, Clyemae Suarez and Nikka Bañaga. Suarez shared insights into their creative process, stating, "We aimed to capture a visual story that showcases the timeless elegance of the artist and her works with a contemporary edge. The success of the shoot was a result of the collaborative effort of the whole team."

Bañaga drew inspiration from Cuenca's sculptures, aiming to recreate their organic elegance. "The idea was to create a visually appealing story within the field of fashion photography," Bañaga explained. Their collaborative efforts, fueled by open communication, led to a dynamic exchange of concepts, resulting in a united outcome that seamlessly blended fashion and art.

Kat Cuenca's Art+ cover becomes a canvas of creativity. Through the lens of these garments, she sculpts a narrative that transcends the boundaries of fashion and art, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of two artistic realms.

First Layout

Photography Jovel Lorenzo, Creative Direction Kim Albalate, Make-up Artist Mary Ann Obias, Hairstylist Misty Gabriel, Stylists Nikki Bañaga & Clyemae Suarez, Sittings Editor Mika Reyes, Shoot Coordinator Coleen Wong
Katrina Cuenca wearing Nathan Clothiers

Second Layout

Photography Jovel Lorenzo, Creative Direction Santi Albalate, Hair and Make-up Artist Kendra Elmira Mendez, Stylists Nikki Bañaga & Clyemae Suarez, Sittings Editor Mika Reyes, Shoot Coordinator Coleen Wong
Katrina Cuenca wearing Monette Leil Dexter