CONTRIBUTORS AUSTIN MERRILL “INTO THE BLUE”, PAGE 60 The environmental writer and cofounder of Everyday Africa, a social-media project using photography to combat stereotypes of life on the continent, has long been aware of the threat of climate change. “Going to the Maldives was eye-opening not only because it’s lovely, but because you can see the effects of climate change and meet people who don’t believe it’s a problem – all in the same tiny spot,” he says. “It is posing perhaps the greatest threat to life as we know it.” SANTA BEVACQUA “AMERICAN BEAUTY”, PAGE 54 The LA-based stylist had a blast at the shoot for this edition’s fashion spread. “The team was so happy to shoot in Palm Springs,” she says of the singular desert setting among the open-air sculpture-filled exhibition, “Desert X”. “Basking in the sun in March, with this beautiful natural light and the flowers blossoming, set me up to style an elegant fashion story. Bevacqua frequently styles for Nylon and L’Officiel. CARRIE HUTCHINSON “JUST BACK FROM PERTH”, PAGE 24 “It’s amazing to see what’s happening in Perth,” says the writer who ventured from her Melbourne home to investigate the goingson in the burgeoning Western Australia capital. “When you add all the great new places to the incredible weather and breathtaking beaches, it’s a destination you could visit time and again.” Hutchinson is also a regular contributor to Wallpaper* and Travel + Leisure. JULIANA A SAAD “RIO REFURBISHED”, PAGE 22 “The bustling vibe that embraced the city during the 2016 Olympic Games brought a collection of new venues, from museums to hotels that exude Brazilian coolness,” remarks the Brazil-based writer. “In the latter category, a few innovators have redefined a guest’s experience of comfort and beauty.” Saad also pens articles for publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and The Telegraph. PHILIPPE LACOMBE “HEAVENLY BODIES”, PAGE 70 “Our story began around the word ‘celestial’. That one word created all interpretations imaginable,” says the still-life photographer about this issue’s jewellery feature. Although they originally planned to use smoke as part of this interpretation, he and his team quickly discovered it to be unfit for high-end accessories. “The situation gave us the energy to find our ‘stellar’ way, and the result looked even better.” DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM 17
