Valentine’s Day is about love. And sometimes, it’s about being aggressively, aesthetically, publicly single.
The Love & Heartbreak Shoot by photographer and creative director Anastasiya Konstantine Baranova takes the most predictable parts of a modern breakup – and turns them into high fashion. Because if heartbreak in 2026 has taught us anything, it’s that nothing says “I’m fine” like a perfectly lit Instagram post and a new outfit.
Over the past year, Baranova became fascinated by the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we perform our feelings online. The sad quote that’s not aimed at anyone in particular. The “independent woman” anthem layered over a mirror selfie. The coffee date soft-launch where a mystery hand holds the flat white. The glow-up that arrives suspiciously fast.
We all know the signs. We’ve probably been the signs.
Rather than shy away from that theatricality, The Love & Heartbreak Shoot leans all the way in. It’s self-aware. It’s a little tongue-in-cheek. It understands that creating an entire editorial about being “over it” is, in itself, a very 2026 way of processing.
“I mean… doesn’t this editorial prove that I’m fine?” the script quips. And honestly? It kind of does.
Zoe Brunton moves through eight looks that feel less like mourning and more like reinvention. Paris Georgia’s sleek silhouettes bring controlled cool – the kind of energy that says you’ve deleted the photos but kept the standards. Wynn Hamlyn’s sheer knits feel intentional and exposed in the chicest way possible. A silver fringe moment catches the light dramatically (because if you’re going to spiral, you may as well sparkle).
There’s polish everywhere. A Deadly Ponies ‘Mr Cinch Mini’ in Tamarillo Ostrich tucked underarm like a new main character accessory. Stolen Girlfriends Club jewellery adding edge. Meadowlark pearls softening the mood. Rebe’s crisp tailoring and SS26 shapes hinting at forward motion. Even a beaded Rory Williams Docherty hat feels knowingly extra – heartbreak, but make it editorial.
The beauty of this shoot isn’t in the sadness. It’s in the satire. It recognises that in the age of social media, healing isn’t always private – it’s styled, shot, and sometimes strategically posted.
And maybe that’s not entirely a bad thing.
Because whether you’re actually heartbroken or just romantically inconvenienced, fashion has always been a reliable rebound. A new silhouette. A fresh energy. A reminder that reinvention is only ever one outfit away.
So yes, Valentine’s Day is about love.
But it’s also about looking incredible, booking the shoot, and proving – primarily to yourself – that you were always the main character anyway.
Team Credits
Photography and Creative Director
Anastasiya Konstantine Baranova
@anastasiyakonstantine
Stylist
Troi Atkins
@troiatkins
Hair and Makeup Artist
India Wray Murane
@pseud0scorpion
Talent
Zoe Brunton
@zoe_brunton123
Represented by Unique Model Management
@uniquemodelmanagment
Assist Director
Taarika Orange
@taarikaorange
Styling Assistant
Arionne (Ari) Tresadern
@drowsyarionne
Lighting Assistant
Quinn Aitkinhead
@quinnaitkenhead_
Set Runner
Saffron Healey
@saffron_healey
Fashion Credits
Look 1
Paris Georgia Top and Skirt
Deadly Ponies ‘Mr Cinch Mini’ in Tamarillo Ostrich
Stolen Girlfriends Club Earrings
Meadowlark ‘Bon Bon Pearl’ Necklace and Bracelet
Look 2
Wynn Hamlyn Emma Sheer Knit
Wynn Hamlyn Emma Sheer Knit Maxi Skirt
Style Starter Boutique Dress
Pulp Heels
Mugler Earrings
Look 3
Paris Georgia ‘Fringe’ Dress in Silver
Silk and Steel ‘Bisou Hoop’ Earrings
Stolen Girlfriends Club Bracelet
Look 4
Wynn Hamlyn ‘Emma Sheer Knit’ Top
Wynn Hamlyn ‘Woven Wind Breaker’ in Multi Plaid
Silk and Steel ‘Flora Hoops’
Stylist’s own shorts
Look 5
Rory Williams Docherty Beaded Hat
Style Starter Boutique Dress
Stolen Girlfriends Club Earrings
Look 6
Rebe ‘Ralph’ Shirt in Sea Foam
Meadowlark ‘Large Magda’ Earrings
Look 7
Wynn Hamlyn ‘Emma Sheer Knit’ Skirt
@ari.takesover Lace Wrap
Silk and Steel Ring