The Seven Deadly Sins explores the hidden costs of certain human desires and behaviors. Through the styling, color, and environment, the series invites a sense of curiosity and interpersonal reflection. Ultimately, each sin speaks to the deeper truths of our actions and impulses.
Lust is inspired by Romans 13:14 (NIV) and is portrayed through a red string tethering these individuals to each other. The idea of spiritual connection through shared intimacy is explored here by the representation of “soul ties.” The simplicity of the men’s styling is symbolic of how lust entraps through the most unsuspecting ways.
Gluttony is embodied through the act of consuming cake, which is traditionally a reward or act of celebration. Referenced by Proverbs 23:3 (NIV), overindulgence is depicted, which suggests that sin is deceptively masked by “sweetness.” The use of color here tells a story of excess as the overwhelming amount of red is contrasted with the purity of the white background, clothing, and icing.
Pride is a distorted sense of self obsession, with a prideful heart, is depicted through the use of mirrors. The styling choice of dark and feminine details, like lace, creates visual tension that speaks to how beauty is often deceptive. Pulled from Proverbs 16:18 (NIV), the imagery depicts a grandiose sense of self comes before destruction.
Greed is visualized through opulence. The woman in the photos has a longing to find fulfillment in wealth, power, and status. According to Proverbs 22:1 (NIV), these desires are valued less than a rich reputation.
Wrath is presented as the false belief that destruction brings order. The sword is symbolic of how human nature takes control through force. The choice of a blue dress offers a sense of calm and peace that directly contradicts this idea. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (ESV), we were not created to live in a state of vengeance or wrath.
Envy is set in a dark, overgrown environment with a ghostly model, evoking a sense of decay. According to Proverbs 14:30 (NIV), decay starts within and is all-consuming but often goes unnoticed. The beautiful dress is chosen to represent how envy corrodes internally while remaining invisible to the outside world.
Sloth explores the idea of a “slow burn.” The melting of candles in a beautiful environment is symbolic of time, potential, and beauty wasted. Time is a luxury in and of itself. On the surface level the styling is beautiful, but Romans 12:11 (ESV) speaks to a deeper truth.
Outfit Log
Model: Adia Parker
Top: Red velvet bodysuit from Vestique $25
Bottom: Polka-dot skirt from Target $20
Shoes: Heels From Target (A-New-Day) $45
Model: Malachi Quarles
Top: White button down from Marc Asher $35
Bottom: Black trousers from Men's Warehouse $50
Model: Hadeem Secka
Top: White T-shirt from Hanes $10
Bottom: Black trousers from ASOS $70
Model: Alexandra Flanagan
Top: Sequin tank top from Syd&Nancy $12 and leather jacket from Goodwill $5
Bottom: Skirt from Goodwill $5
Shoes: Black heels from Target (A-New-Day) $45
Model: Madison Wren
Top: Black top from WhiteHouseBlackMarket from Revent $15
Bottom: Black velvet skirt from Hot Topic $20
Shoes: Shoes from Target (A-New-Day) $35
Model: Danielle Cook
Top: Lulus from Clothes Mentor of Greenville SC $18
Shoes: Heels from Target (A-New-Day) $45
Model: Adia Parker
Top: Dress from Clothes Mentor of Greenville SC $15
Shoes: Heels from Dillard’s $65
Model: Alexandra Flanagan
Top: Dress from Syd&Nancy $12
Shoes: Heels from Target (A-New-Day) $45
Model: Britney Tran
Top: Dress from Clothes Mentor of Greenville SC $12
Shoes: Boots - Target (A-New-Day) $55
