Change Makers

A photo essay

Photography - Benjamin Eagle

Design - Josh Bristow

Styling - David Hawkins

Grooming - Cher Savery

Models - Isaac Addai, Jordan Charles, Matthew Campbell Hill, Danny Mardell and Az Franco all at Zebedee Talent

Isaac Addai

DIS/DIFF: Leg Amputee

“Having this condition that I have, I’ve been told a lot of things and been through a lot of trauma. But as I got older I realised it’s my greatest strength, superpower even. I accepted my reality and that allowed me to become the man I am today. I am an amputee, footballer, comedian and a model! God gave me a blessing and I want to continue using that to evolve myself and help others like myself to do awesome things. Once you accept your reality it removes all doubt and insecurities”

Isaac wears BLVCK PARIS

Danny Mardell

DIS/DIFF: Down’s Syndrome

"Danny Mardell, 28 - Despite my disability I work as a model and raise money for charity by doing sponsored walks, football challenges and boxing events as well as playing football for Charlton Upbeats. I enjoy swimming, golf as well as drama and singing where I normally have the lead role! All of these activities, as well as my busy social life, means I constantly challenge myself to learn new skills”

Danny wears Coat - vintage at Rokit, Trousers - Dockers, Sweatshirt - Eleven Eleven, Boots - Crockett & Jones

Az Franco

DIS/DIFF: Transgender

“When I was asked to get involved in this campaign i was super excited! mainstream media has, for so long, focussed on cisgender, heterosexual experiences. This has led to marginalisation and discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community. It feels progressive and necessary to be ‘Changing The Lens’. I feel honoured to be representing the transgender community within the media. Less conformity & more authenticity, inclusivity & acceptance!”

Az wears full look - Rowing Blazers

Matthew Campbell Hill

DIS/DIFF: Wheelchair User

"When I was a teen and in my early 20's I had a very fixed idea of 'what looked good' for a guy, and it was rarely anywhere near how I looked at the time. Once I became an athlete for GB I gradually became less concerned with what other people thought I looked like, and concentrated more on what I enjoyed wearing, and how effective my body was at what I needed it to do - my sport! That's the time you really start to understand that old phrase "form follows function" - being the best version of yourself is just that, it's not about trying to be like someone else."  

Matthew wears full look - Private White V.C.

Jordan Charles

DIS/ DIFF: Albinism

"Growing up it was hard for me to feel beautiful. The ideals of conventional beauty standards clearly excluded me and without any positive media representation or the validation of others It was definitely an uphill battle becoming comfortable in my own skin. These days I’m so lucky to have access (mostly through social media) to lots of inspiring people with albinism who are only strengthening the love that I’ve reclaimed for the condition which I once considered a burden. It seems that beauty standards are shifting and I’m glad to be part of the revolution!!" 

Jordan wears full look - Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis!

A full version of this feature can be found in The Rakish Gent Issue 4.