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The Season of The Model: ELETOM’s Reflection On the Return of The OG Muses in Fashion and Art

When I was given a sneak peek of this editorial featuring the organic magic between photographer Jana Schuessler and model Stephany Amado on a rooftop in NYC, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of the past. As an ’80s baby, I grew up in a time when supermodels like Cindy, Naomi, and Linda were the queens of fashion. They weren’t just faces plastered on magazine covers; they embodied the fantasy that designers created, whisking me away into a world of glamour and artistry. Jana’s work made me feel just like that…nostalgic.

The ’80s was truly electric—new wave music and vibrant cultural shifts defined an era that celebrated individuality. Back then, before social media took over, models had an essential role in shaping the narrative of fashion. They were muses, breathing life into designers’ dreams and transforming sketches into stunning realities.

Think of Gianni Versace with his striking muses, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell. They didn’t just walk a runway; they were the heartbeat of Versace’s daring vision. Or Yves Saint Laurent, who captured the elegance of Karen Graham, creating looks that resonate to this day.

But here we are, a world away from those days. The rise of AI and digital models has shifted the fashion landscape dramatically. While technology has its uses, nothing compares to the authenticity of real people—their quirks, their energy, and the soul they bring to a shoot. That magic was palpable in the recent editorial with Jana and Stephany. Their chemistry brought something truly special to life, proving that you don’t need a celebrity to create captivating images. It’s that genuine connection that brings art alive and reminds us why we fell in love with fashion in the first place.

At ELETOM, we’re all about celebrating the real model—the blank canvas that embodies the beauty of fashion, jewelry, and art. These inspiring muses ignite creativity and play a vital role in culture and the arts. As we reflect on those glorious days, let’s give love to the Muses—those real-life inspirations that continue to capture our hearts and ignite our imaginations. In a world flooded with digital noise, the charm of the real thing will always shine through.

What we listened to while coming up with this story:

Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds · 1985