Persephone’s Descent
Written by Haley Davis
Modeling Spotlight: Nevaeh McKissic
Nevaeh is portraying Persephone, the daughter of Demeter and the goddess of spring. They embody the cnflicting nature of the goddess, showcasing both her youthful exuberance and her complex feelings for Hades, the god of the underworld. The portrayal of Persephone’s Descent is not a descent into madness or death but rather a rise to power alongside Hades. She is no damsel, from gentle flower fields to a queen of death. Casting her previous life aside, leaving all she's ever known, she rises to meet her fate as Hades' wife. Navaeh is the exclusive model for "Twilight of the Season: Persephone’s Descent" and also serves as the creative director for the shoot. They are drawn to powerful bursts of color and creativity in their personal life. Fashion, writing, and photography allow them to express their passions and interact with the world around them. They are currently a senior at UC Davis, majoring in English, and are a precious member of the VUE family.
Creative Director Spotlight: Jacquelline Allen
Jackie is the lead Creative Director of Twilight of the Season: Persephone’s Descent, along with our model Naveah. Inundated with a precise vision of love, empowerment, tragedy, and power, Jackie is the foundation of this shoot. Their passion for the ancient Greek myth of Hades and his stolen bride inspired VUE’s debut shoot, and their voice powerfully sculpted the choices made on set. Jackie’s bright light of creative energy extends beyond the magazine and shines into their personal life. Those around Jackie are used to feeling the warmth of their passions, which she channels through many different art forms. She is currently a senior at UC Davis, studying Linguistics and an invaluable member of the VUE family.
Photographer Spotlight: Nieve Dandekar
Nieve is the excellent main photographer of Twilight of the Season: Persephone’s Descent. In her post-shoot interview, Nieve revealed that she began her passion for photography in high school. She stated, "I would say that I am not really a creative person, but when it comes to photography, everything just clicks.” Twilight of the Season: Persephone’s Descent provided a perfect opportunity for her to rekindle her creative spirit and enact her vision. Outside of the magazine, she is fiercely driven by her love for animals and hopes to one day combine these aspects of her life in the pursuit of wildlife photography! She is a senior at UC Davis, majoring in Animal Science, and is a vital member of the VUE family.
Photographer Spotlight: Arya Lalvani
Arya is the lovely second photographer of Twilight of the Season: Persephone’s Descent. Working with Nieve to actualize the creative vision of Jackie and Navaeh, Arya used her camera to truly bring this shoot to life. You may recognize her as the former lead photographer for Aggie studios, but she has been exploring her passion for photography since her freshman year at Davis when she became a sports photographer. Arya is a Dubai native, who traveled to California to attend University. Aside from her skills with a camera, her passion for design and painting provide catharsis for her creative side. She is currently a UC Davis senior, studying a double major in Cinema and Digital Media and Design, and we are so grateful to have her with us at VUE!