This project is rooted in the visual and emotional language of Eastern European culture, specifically drawing from the lingering effects of the post-war depression era and its influence on architecture, daily life, and youth identity. The concept centers around nostalgia, rebellion, and the internal conflict of growing up too fast — a reflection of how children often mirror the habits of adults in an attempt to claim acceptance and maturity.

​​

The process behind this shoot was driven by a desire to recreate the emotional landscape of a generation raised in environments marked by hardship. Carefully selected locations with heavy, worn-down architecture created a backdrop that mirrored the emotional weight of the concept. Styling choices emphasized simplicity and realism, echoing the influence of street culture and the muted tones of everyday life. Cigarettes were used deliberately as a symbol of a rite of passage — not to glamorize, but to represent the early adoption of adult habits as a means of belonging and survival.