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Firass Dirani

What did you enjoy most about shooting this fashion feature, mate?
There was so much going on. From lathering foam and cut throating to Jesus diving and olive spitting at the bar – it’s eclectic. The jumping and face planting onto the bed was my personal favourite. Over and over again. I couldn’t get enough of it. I really enjoyed the quirkiness of the shoot and how everyone collaborated instinctively and had so much fun with it. You’re all a bunch of weirdos.

Well, you were actually heavily involved in the concept. Discuss.
The idea was to explore my outlandish and weird side, so we got a little silly. The concept was defined by our environment and our fierce imagination. This is a story of the well-dressed gentleman, his myriad of ticks and conniptions and his warped adventure into the abyss. Always a concept people can connect to… and one lost in the abyss. It’s really entertaining when the MAXIM Editor and the crew are just as insane – it works well.

What’s the story behind the white rabbit which features throughout these images?

Follow the white rabbit. It’s one of the themes of the shoot and it’s also paying homage to a personal connection a certain someone has with the white rabbit as a symbol. It represents hope and love in the series – the angel who looks after you. It’s subtle but a positive thread in these images. The rabbit also played more like a polygenic symbol because we actually shot this on Good Friday. Yep, we’re deep bastards.

Do you consider yourself a bit of a fashionista?
No, but I do enjoy wearing clothes that make me feel good. And by good I mean projecting confidence and charm. As I get older I’m definitely getting into clothing that is more comfortable. I find jeans more uncomfortable by the month, so I try and stay away from them. I definitely dress in parallel to the way I’m feeling – if I’m feeling loaded with energy or silly I may reach for the more statement piece or something brighter than usual. I don’t do colour every day, though, and I’m a big fan of blacks and whites.

For the full article grab the June 2017 issue of MAXIM Australia.

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Dajana Gudic

Cheryl Maitland