Editorial Design, Fashion Design, Photography,
Typography, Branding, MarketingDescent Into Madness reimagines Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland through the lens of a popular theory that ties the story to an allegory for drug use. It focuses on Alice’s journey as a bad trip, one that intensifies with each turn and leaves her stranded in Wonderland forever. This interpretation emphasizes the surreal and unsettling aspects of her adventures, exploring how her interactions with different characters deepen the disorienting nature of her experiences.This high-fashion couture magazine translates this twisted narrative into a visually captivating format. Through a combination of photography, dramatic lighting, intricate set and prop design, and innovative typography and layout, this magazine reimagines Alice’s story while simultaneously promoting both couture fashion and the movie. Each detail works to convey a more elaborate version of the tale we all know and love, offering viewers a new perspective.
PROCESS This project began with extensive research and ideation, including watching and analyzing Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass to determine character interactions and stylizations.Through this research, a series of digital mood boards were created. Each represented a different element including hair and makeup, stylization, magazine layout, typography, fashion and photography.A physical mood board was also developed using fabric, clothing, photos, and other elements used throughout the creation of the magazine to convey the mood and themes of Descent Into Madness.
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THE SPECIFICSFASHIONThe fashion decisions were inspired by the chaotic nature of Wonderland. One primary outfit was designed to evolve throughout the magazine, with new elements added as Alice encounters different characters, giving each spread a unique identity tied to a specific character. The focus was on layering and experimenting with accessories in unconventional ways to represent Wonderland’s surreal atmosphere.SET DESIGNThe set design focused on exploring how to create unique perspectives through photography and props. A key element was the construction of a six-foot-tall keyhole, crafted from cardboard. Another featured element was a box painted in a checkerboard pattern, creating the illusion of walls closing in which amplified the narrative of a sense of distortion. Other props included a hand-painted teapot and teacups.TYPOGRAPHYCustom lettering was created for the titles and was inspired by existing typefaces used in the movie. Each spread transforms the lettering to mirror the shifting perspectives and events in each scene. On the front cover the letters appear in standard form, while the first spread introduces movement. In the second spread the letters are manipulated to resemble tea pouring and in the third spread they match the perspective of the walls.
PHOTOGRAPHYThe photography process explored a variety of perspectives to create unique compositions. Through experimentation with different backdrops, lighting, unconventional angles and posing, scenes were created that seemingly made no sense yet still felt intentional.EDITINGPhoto editing was key in achieving the desired compositions. Various Lightroom and Photoshop techniques were used throughout the editing process. This included enhancing colors, texture and contrast. The main focus was maintaining a consistent editing style.LAYOUTThe layout focused on subtly incorporating elements inspired by each character. The design also aimed to progressively become more chaotic with each spread. To reinforce this idea, the spreads were intentionally rotated, requiring viewers to physically rotate the magazine.