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Cenon at Mav on the Art of Couple Dressing
In this exclusive interview, the Laguna-based photography duo walks us through their personal style and distinct way of dressing as a couple.
Published Aug 12, 2024
"In our relationship, couple dressing helps us practice patience and compromise."
What defines couple dressing? To many, it’s often linked to the all-too-cliche image of two people dressed in almost identical outfits. Think David and Victoria Beckham’s iconic matching leather outfits from 1999, or perhaps Britney Spears’ and Justin Timberlake’s cowboy denim looks from the 2001 American Music Awards. Throughout the decades, couple outfits in pop culture have been characterized by partners clad in perfectly mirrored ensembles, from silhouettes and materials, down to the color schemes.
Yet, for couple slash photography duo Cenon Norial III and Mav Bernardo—collectively known as Cenon at Mav—couple dressing is a harmonious marriage of their individual styles, an exercise of patience and compromise in their relationship. Cenon puts it simply: “[It’s about] joining your partner in their fantasy by complementing each other’s personal style.”
For the unacquainted, Cenon and Mav are a Laguna-based photography tandem whose works span various editorials and commercial campaigns, including several Preview magazine covers.
A Cenon at Mav piece is unmistakable, even at first glance. Their maximalist and surrealist artistic style birth images that unfold like entire worlds of stories, each one brimming with rich intention and steeped in a dream-like scenery.
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This same depth of thought extends to their personal style, which is as eclectic and layered as their photography. Their approach to fashion reflects a shared vision, yet remains deeply personal—an extension of their collaborative art.
The Art of Couple Dressing, According to Cenon at Mav
How would you describe your individual style?
Mav: "If I had to describe my style as a person, she’d be a mix of 90's Chloë Sevigny, Caroline Bessette-Kennedy from her CK [Calvin Klein] days, and Miuccia Prada with her 'ugly chic' aesthetic."
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Cenon: "Like a Pokemon trainer most of the time."
What are the fashion elements/pieces that define your style?
Mav: "Colored stockings and kitten heels"
Cenon: "Fun accessories and bulky bags."
Cenon at Mav
Cenon at Mav
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How has your style evolved over the years?
Mav: "Back when I presented as male, my style was influenced by the music I listened to and Tumblr, with a touch of '60s to '70s retro vibes. Now, after transitioning, my style has evolved but kept those same influences. The difference is that I can now wear skirts, dresses, and heels, giving me more freedom to experiment and try out new looks."
Cenon at Mav
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Cenon: "I used to dress older to look competent at work and in front of clients, but I switched to a more fun and appropriate style when out with friends. Now I don't pretend to look older. I've experimented with different hairstyles and colors [in the past], but now I just shave all my hair off."
Cenon at Mav
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How would you define couple dressing?
Mav: "For me, this sometimes means planning our looks together the night before an event. It’s very important to wear what we want and then tweak our outfits a bit to make sure they work well together."
Cenon: "Joining your partner in their fantasy by complementing each other’s personal style."
Cenon at Mav
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What role does couple dressing play in your relationship?
Mav: "In our relationship, couple dressing helps us practice patience and compromise. We plan our outfits together, and we have to be patient with each other’s preferences and find a middle ground that works for both of us."
Cenon: "Dressing up together is a fun activity for both of us. It’s an escape from our job’s demanding nature, giving us space to explore our creativity while having fun and looking good."
Cenon at Mav
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How do your individual styles complement or contrast with each other?
Mav: "We watch fashion shows/films and share fashion references with each other. We then incorporate those ideas into our own styles. It’s like ‘same same but different,’ as they say."
Cenon: "We’ve always had similar styles, even before we met. When we moved in together, we essentially extended each other’s wardrobe. We started intentionally dressing alike for themed nights in clubs and events. It naturally became a part of our routine."
Cenon at Mav
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What are the main fashion elements/pieces that define the way you couple dress?
Mav: "He is a baggy pants guy and I am a mini skirt girlie."
How does your fashion style align with your artistic style as a photography duo?
Mav: "Our fashion and photography both have an eccentric touch. We enjoy being a bit unconventional and letting our creativity shine, which helps make our work unique and interesting."
Cenon: "I think our photos give a peek into the subject’s quirks, much like how we keep our individual identities while looking like a unit."
Cenon at Mav
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What is the ultimate key to achieving a cohesive look without compromising individuality?
Cenon: "Getting the same items in different colors, replicating pieces you like in different fabrics, and keeping most of your clothes in rotation are key. I think it's important to repeat clothes to maximize their use and reduce waste, to help maintain a cohesive look without sacrificing individuality."
A Preview Originals Production
Photography: Cenon at Mav
Story: Paulina Singh
Creative Direction: Bacs Arcebal
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