PHOTOGRAPHY Amy Lidgett
STYLING Yasmin Williams
MUA Callie Foulsham
MUA ASSISTANT Taisha Sherwood
PRODUCTION Tori West & Madeline Reid
SIMONE WEARS FULL LOOK PAUL SMITH
Hidhir Badaruddin & Simone Casarotti | Photographer & Musician
How long have you known each other and how did you meet?
S: We have known each other for 5 years and met in 2019, on Tinder funnily enough. Hidhir loves telling this story – I Super Liked him, he matched me and he asked if it was a mistake. I replied saying that it wasn’t, I just wanted to know him quicker! We made our relationship official in the summer of that same year and we have been together ever since.
What’s your favourite thing to do together?
H: With both of us being creatives with side jobs to afford living in London, we really like to take a break from it all and recharge however we can. We love a day in the park or at a local market, walking and talking about life.
I love Hidhir’s rich inner world and clear point of view. Seeing him so confident about what he wants and doesn’t want inspires me to be more intentional and set a higher standard for myself and what I create.
What’s your favourite thing about your partner/sibling/creative collaborator?
S: I love Hidhir’s rich inner world and clear point of view. Seeing him so confident about what he wants and doesn’t want inspires me to be more intentional and set a higher standard for myself and what I create.
H: Simone is a great cheerleader, he’s always pushed me and believed that I could be great at things I was unfamiliar with or afraid to do. An example was directing his first music video, which was uncharted territory for me!
What’s the secret to a successful creative partnership?
S: Collaborating with your partner demands an extra level of kindness. You have to be able to listen and be extra patient. We can be both very passionate about our ideas, so finding a middle ground and not killing each other in the process is always the goal.
H: We always want to support each other through the ups and downs, and celebrate what a special thing it is to create art with the person you love. It has a whole deeper meaning attached to it!
RUKAIYAH WEARS DRESS: MASHA POPOVA | SHIRT: CHOPOVA LOWENA | SHOES: BIMBA Y LOLA | EARRINGS: MAISON LUMIERE | RINGS: XHENXHEN JEWELLERY, KINKS LAB + TALENT’S OWN | BRACELETS: PILGRI
Naadirah & Rukaiyah | Qazi & Qazi
How long have you known each other and how did you meet?
N: I’ve known Rukaiyah since I was 19 months old. She was a gift from my mum to prevent loneliness and explore all the elements of music.
R: We met in the soul space before either of us landed on earth, I can’t remember what it looked like but I was restless there for a good 19 months before I was released in glorious ol’ Birmingham, UK.
In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you different from one another?
R: We’re entirely different from one another but share the deepest synchronicity in our music – and, strangely, the ‘purposes’ we find ourselves exploring – and our ability to laugh with and at one another (and our brother) to no end.
N: We are completely opposite in character, personality and the ways in which we would approach spending a well-lived day. I take my time and really savour and indulge in moments, whereas Rukaiyah moves through time in a more rapid manner. But we are balanced to one another, and make space for each other to constantly push and nurture the unknown. Somewhere along testing the boundaries of the unknown, we find beauty and similarities in all things we adore and admire on a soul level, so we get to connect and express ourselves from a place that feels like communicating a soul language.
What’s your favourite thing to do together?
N & R: Singing together, this really is an example of us reaching that place of soul communication. It is a sacred feeling, the place we feel most at home.
I am constantly in awe of my sister – as a disabled artist, she navigates a world that isn’t made for her with such grace and kindness in and sees beauty and potential for good in everything.
How has your sibling inspired your creative practice?
N: My sister is an eternal flame of inspiration, her attention and undying dedication to being able to guide and nurture us as a band, self-managing the project is astounding to me! She has a deeply imaginative and active mind, and I’m ever in awe of watching her actually create reality and worlds from a single thought.
R: I am constantly in awe of my sister – as a disabled artist, she navigates a world that isn’t made for her with such grace and kindness in and sees beauty and potential for good in everything. She inspires a true sense of grounding and safety for me which I am so fortunate to have in a creative partner – it allows me to be truthful, and vulnerable and to let go and surrender to my work in a way that I’ve not yet managed to find in any other collaborative environment. I’m grateful every day that I get to do this with her.
What’s your favourite thing about your partner/sibling/creative collaborator?
N: I expected that working with someone that you’ve known for most of your entire life would be so comfortable, but the further we explore our music and connection, the more I’ve come to understand that we have made an active decision to commit to exploring all that is uncomfortable and unsettling together, surprising ourselves every time as we see it rise towards the most beautiful, freeing and sacred feeling. Music is a constant healer and the safe, loving place to which we always return.
R: The way she is so rooted and committed to her intuitive process in all parts of her life especially when it comes to producing our music. It has been the force that allowed us to find the sound we had been imagining for ourselves since we began singing together.
What’s the secret to a successful creative partnership?
N & R: Trust. Giving each other space to be in our own rhythms and then leaning into the instinctive calling to synchronise. Allowing ourselves the chance to adapt, learn and grow as we meet the inevitable shifts and changes of life, however, that might look as individuals or as a pair.
What are you most excited about in your future together?
N & R: It feels like we’ve been weaving so many secrets between the two of us as we have been journeying towards releasing our debut EP, I cannot wait for more ears than our own to hear it!
Judy Maxwell-McNicol & Sarah Maxwell-McNicol | Artist & Illustrator, Animator and Tattoo Artist
How long have you known each other and how did you meet?
We met at art school in Paris. Judy was in the Fine Art department and Sarah was in Illustration, both on opposite sides of the building from one another. We were both working until late in the evening on our finals; Judy on her final exhibition and Sarah on her graduating dissertation.
There was an exhibition going on in the centre of the school (known for their free and potent booze tables). We had both individually decided to steal a glass of free wine and run back to our studios to continue working, but chance would have it that we ended up walking up to the drinks table at the exact same time. One of us (we now can’t remember who!) offered to pour the other a drink and we introduced ourselves. We ended up staying and talking to each other at that drinks table for two hours… that was EIGHT years ago!
In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you different from one another?
J: In ways we are similar: we are both very adventurous and adaptable to new places and situations. We love to travel and discover new activities together, while always trying to have a good time with one another (and our dog, Finn). We’re both artists and love to encourage one another with each other’s creative pursuits. We get excited by learning new things, whether that’s through exhibitions or nerdy podcasts and books. We love to share what we learn with each other, there’s always a “fun fact” of the day in our household.
S: The only main difference between us is our personalities. Judy is very bubbly and always energised, while I am more laid back and chilled. We always find that we complement one another because of our differences. Even how we dress is quite contrasting at times, but we always manage to coordinate our looks together as a pair (which is a fave hobby of ours).
What’s your favourite thing to do together?
Our favourite things to do are to go on adventures with one another. Last year we had a road trip where we drove all the way from London to southern Spain with our dog in the car with us. We had roughly planned the route and itinerary out for it, but allowed us the freedom to explore. We had some of our best memories while on that trip, and we were so thrilled to be able to share it with our dog, Finn. Apart from that, we love our little morning walks together with him- they’re always such a joy and a break from the stresses of life at times. Even our coffees in bed with Lush face masks on on Sundays, having lazy mornings in just enjoying each other’s company.
We wholly believe in the capabilities of one another and always voice that. We encourage each other not only to have fun, but to take risks and also put in the hard work where it’s needed. There’s been a few times where one has gone out of their comfort zone and the other has shown immense support each step of the way which has made the situation feel way more manageable.
How has your partner inspired your creative practice?
By being each other’s biggest cheerleaders. We wholly believe in the capabilities of one another and always voice that. We encourage each other not only to have fun, but to take risks and also put in the hard work where it’s needed. There’s been a few times where one has gone out of their comfort zone and the other has shown immense support each step of the way which has made the situation feel way more manageable. One other helpful thing is that we have similar interests in what inspires us and our art, so if we come across something we like and think would be informative to the other we’ll pass it along.
What’s your favourite thing about your partner?
There’s a lot we could list for this. Ultimately we think it’s been an amazing experience both being creatives and learning from one another. It brings us so much joy to be able to share that part of ourselves together. Whether it’s through going to exhibitions or as simple as working alongside one another in our joint studio, it’s just a nice feeling to know we share similar passions and can also understand the hardships that come along with it.
What’s the secret to a successful creative partnership?
Openness to discussion and learning new things, as well as having the confidence and trust to step into the unknown with one another.
What are you most excited about in your future together?
Discovering new things about ourselves and our relationship while we shape our future together. We are looking forward to not only making life decisions for our own personal futures but also our futures together. It’s a very exciting thing- thinking about creating more happy memories along the way on our journey alongside one another. We just got married last October, which was such an incredible experience. We put so much of our personal style and creativity into it- it was so beautiful to see all the planning and effort come together for such a special day… one of our best memories so far, with many more to come.
ALINA WEARS BLAZER + TOP: TALENTS OWN | SKIRT: PATRICK MCDOWELL | EARRINGS: PILGRIM | RINGS: PILGRIM AND TALENTS OWN
Priya Oades & Alina Budden | Model Booker & Artist Liaison and Events Manager, co-founders for Stripped Sets
How long have you known each other and how did you meet?
A: I used to produce and present a podcast for the university radio station and I interviewed Priya when I started a series on creatives in Norwich. I then messaged Priya about wanting to work with her on Stripped Sets and SHE AIRED ME for about a year, it’s fine, I’m over it
In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you different from one another?
A & P: We are so similar in the things we care about and the way we love other people, and we’re so different in other things. Priya is a corporate babe (for the right reasons) and Alina is far more freelance in her creativity which works really well because we keep each other grounded.
We also communicate and express emotion very differently which is gorgeous because we challenge and build each other in lots of ways. I think this is why we work so well together, we’re each other’s biggest supporters
A: I have quite a high-energy younger sibling kind of personality whereas Priya is calmer and more sensible. We work so well together because our personalities really complement each other in a way that we bring different perspectives to the table. You do the math: Alina is a Cancer Sun, Libra moon and Gemini Rising, while Priya is a Leo Sun, Capricorn Moon and Cancer Rising.
What’s your favourite thing to do together?
P: Charity shopping, eating food, drinking coffee and gossiping after we’ve checked everything off our to-do lists. That sounds so middle-aged but I’m here for it – 24 is the new 42! I mostly just love being in Alina’s company, even if we’re stressed or whatever, she’s my favourite person.
A: Just being in each others’ space, doing nothing together. I love bouncing ideas off Priya – you can really throw anything at her and she’ll have something interesting to say. It’s very easy to be around her.
One day we’ll probably fall in love, but for now, we’re making strides in creating more spaces in Norwich that champion queer, women, trans+ & POC artists & audiences. We’re looking forward to the growth of the Norwich scene and community and being a part of it – connecting to more people, and learning more.
How has your partner, sibling or creative collaborator inspired your creative practice?
P: We wouldn’t have the gorgeous collective we do without each other as we both bring such different things, ideas and practices to what we do.
A: When Priya started Stripped Sets, the intention was for more live music nights featuring all women, non-binary, trans+ and POC lineups. two years down the line and we’ve completely evolved into club nights & workshops with the same intention thanks to Alina’s experience as a DJ and her general vision for what she wants to do.
Priya has such strong visions and a lot of confidence with ideas which is contagious and empowers those she works with. She is also very honest and direct which is such an amazing trait to work with because you have to be really in the work and know why you make certain decisions. Priya has very strong morals and an ethos she won’t budge on & she encourages me to do the same.
What’s your favourite thing about your creative collaborator?
P: My favourite thing about Alina is how big her heart is, which is such a cliche but I’ve never met anyone who cares so deeply about other people. Alina is the type of friend and partner I wish everyone could have, but you can’t – because she’s mine!
A: There are so many things I love about Priya so it’s hard to pick one. My favourite thing about Priya is how real she is, but really, there’s no BS with Priya – she says it how it is. She also is such a caring queen and is always checking on her friends!
What’s the secret to a successful creative partnership?
A & P: Communication! We talk about everything which is something I’ve had to work really hard on (god bless my therapist) whereas Alina is a natural communicator. Whilst it’s difficult when I work full time and we aren’t always in the same city, we prioritise making time for each other even if it’s just phone calls. Support is also important – it can be hard sometimes and having someone encouraging you and believing in an idea keeps us going.
What are you most excited for in your future together?
A & P: One day we’ll probably fall in love, but for now, we’re making strides in creating more spaces in Norwich that champion queer, women, trans+ & POC artists & audiences. We’re looking forward to the growth of the Norwich scene and community and being a part of it – connecting to more people, and learning more!
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