words by MAREK BARTEK

Shot exclusively for Numéro Netherlands, photographer Léo Tornev brings to life an editorial “Mum’s place” that represents not just beautiful imagery but also a heartbreaking true story. After her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Léo had to start selling her mother’s possessions in order to get enough support to take care of her. The last thing left is a house built by her great-grandmother. 

Before selling it, Léo decided to embark on a journey and share her story through a series of images. Though she only stands behind the camera, each photo represents an auto-portrait full of emotions. As she wanders through empty rooms of her now estranged home, she relives her childhood all over again. Every piece of china and creaking spots on the floor, wallpapers, photographs and faded walls after images were taken down, it all is soaked in the memories that no one can take away and now are forever materialised in these images. 

Through careful styling choices, fashion comes in not as a protagonist. Instead it becomes an element that harmonizes with the rest of the story and enhances the overall atmosphere of nostalgia, and feelings of loss and hope for brighter days. One can only hope that this beautifully touching project brought at least some sense of closure to Léo and her family before moving on to their next chapter.  

vest SANDRO 
collar SKALL 
trousers KENZO 
tights WOLFORD
shoes PARALLÈLE 
earrings FONTENNOY

jacket EPHEMORAL 
underwear PRINCESSE TAM TAM
tights WOLFORD 
earrings EPHEMORAL
shoes THE FOREST SHOES

trousers and pullover PRADA
hat ANA VIVERO
shoes PARALLÈLE

full look DRIES VAN NOTEN

shoes PARALLÈLE 
socks CALZEDONIA 

blazer DRIES VAN NOTEN 
dress NAJJAT HARB

sweater SANDRO
underwear, tights, shoes JACQUEMUS
necklace FONTENNOY
shoes on the floor THE FOREST SHOES

sweater SKALL 
bras DNUD PARIS 
skirt DRIES VAN NOTEN 

shirt À LA CARTE
skirt MARIA ANDRÉE GAITÁN
underwear DNUD PARIS 

TEAM CREDITS
photography and creative direction LÉO TORNEV @leo_tornev
set design and art direction MARIE MALTERRE @mariemalterre
styling MARIA VINAGRE @mariavinagreincrimehair MIWA MOROKI @miwamoroki
stylist assistant AINA SEGUI @ainasegui
makeup CHRISTINE HUBERT @christinehubert_
model TYA @woman360paris