Recorded audio from Jan Hoek and Duran Lantink's interviews with Sistaazhood about their dreams. Soundscape by Torus.This article appeared in the March issue of VICE magazine. Click HERE to subscribe.Creative Assistant: Angelo Antonio Valerio
Photography Assistant: Dylan Louw
Courtesy: Ron Mandos Gallery, AmsterdamThese photos are an ongoing collaboration between two Dutch artists—28-year-old fashion designer Duran Lantink and 31-year-old photographer Jan Hoek—and members of Sistaazhood, a group of trans sex workers affiliated with the Cape Town advocacy group SWEAT.
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The project started when Hoek and Lantink saw a picture of two trans sex workers in Cape Town and were so taken by their appearance and attitude that they booked a ticket to South Africa immediately. It then evolved into an expanded series where they interviewed the workers about their dreams. Hoek, Lantink, and the women worked together on outfits and sets to bring their dreams to life."We were really excited to showcase the creative ability of all the girls we worked with and give them a different story that focuses on their fashion rather than their hardship," Hoek said. "The pictures weren't really about sex work. There's so much more to their lives."The next leg of the project will be a fashion show with the girls that will take place in Cape Town in 2017.