Broken Windows Theory: the 1982 criminology theory that visible signs of disorder, such as graffiti and broken windows, will lead to more crime.
The Broken Windows Theory is why street art that’s made without permission is “buffed out” (meaning, painted over). It’s why the London Underground trains are pulled out of service for immediate cleaning whenever they’re vandalised to dissuade aspiring taggers.
In reality, city streets are left with monotone colour blocks designed to keep order.
As a street photographer in London, I’ve been drawn to these monotone colour blocks as a unique canvas for portraits. They offer unique opportunities for framing in my fashion photography, often with unique colours from whatever paint the appointed maintenance works had available to cover graffiti with.
This image below, which I photographed in 2019, inspired my obsession with graffiti buffs and their parenting psychological philosophy, the Broken Windows Theory.
Photo of friend and photographer Linus Wong from 2019 who inspired the Broken Windows Theory project in London for 1883 Magazine.
Portraits using these buffs contrast what’s otherwise an effort to stifle expression in favour of conformity.
These buffs, and the canvas of opportunity they ironically create for the taggers they hope to dissuade, inspired my Broken Windows Theory menswear and womenswear editorial for 1883 Magazine.
Partnered with stylist Dianah Gwendu, makeup artist Howard K.C.X. from BBC’s Glow Up Season 5, hairstylist Abi Igz, and set designer Adam Smyth, we created a dynamic set progression: as each wardrobe look in the series progressed, buffs were live-painted onto the set at Cloud Theory Studio to create geometric canvases for the fashion and makeup to flourish on.
Since moving to London last year, it’s been a privilege to explore my editorial fashion photography in my studio and bring concepts like the Broken Windows Theory, which’ve been on my mind for years, to life. I’m always inspired by the streets of London every time I venture out with my camera.
Check out the Broken Windows Theory in 1883 Magazine and my other recent editorial, Repurpose in Trend Privé Magazine. For more fashion series inspired by the streets of London, check out my street fashion photography from global fashion weeks.
Thanks to models Cris and Jasroop Kaur Singh, lighting assistant Nicola, digi op Pip, makeup assistant Jade Mistry, styling assistant Ama Mira Choi, and movement director Weronika Kaminska.