Blair Bartlett: Black Pink
“Valentine’s Day symbolizes the love I have for my family and the people closest to me”
Text: VIONNE Magazine | Photos: Blair Bartlett | Models: Soli Mgmt |
Models: Yenuki Hordagoda, Ini Adara, Ava Hunter, Chancey Alexandra Laura Munden, Isabella Barker, Matt Lewis
Creative Director: Charcy Marchand & Karen Forsyth
Hearts, Truths & Tongue-in-Cheek Stories
Black and pink never looked so bold. Photographer Blair Bartlett returns to the pages of VIONNE with a cover story that captures the electrifying duality of Valentine’s Day — moody elegance meets flirtatious confidence. Shot against cascades of shimmering pink satin, the models of Soli Management exude strength, vulnerability, and allure in equal measure. It’s a vision where classic romance collides with fearless modernity.
Directed creatively by Charcy Marchand and Karen Forsyth, this series strips back the clichés of Valentine’s Day and instead gives us character. The fierce styling in leather, mesh, and satin noir proves that love isn’t always soft — sometimes it’s unapologetically powerful. Through intimate interviews, VIONNE peels back the layers to explore how each model views romance, vulnerability, and confidence in a world that’s still learning to love out loud.
Interview with Soli Mgmt Models
Vionne: Do you Believe in love at first sight- why or why not.
Chancey: I absolutely believe in love at first sight. The last relationship I was in, was definitely love at first sight for me. You get this crazy feeling as soon as you lay eyes on the person, and then they become all you think about. It just feels like no one else matters in the world, and it’s just the two of you together.
Vionne: Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? What does it mean to you.
Chancey: i definitely celebrate valentines day because, I LOVE, LOVE. I am such a hopeless romantic it’s not even funny. Getting to spend the most romantic day with the person you love is music to me ears. I mean who doesn’t want to be loved? Now unfortunately I am single this Valentine’s Day, so you won’t catch me out and about, watching all these couples in love right in my face. Fingers crossed my husband is on his way to find me tho.
Vionne: Worst date you’ve ever had- spill the tea!
Chancey: I can’t really think of a worst date that I’ve been on, so I’ll share my very first kiss experience. Buckle up this one is a crazy story. I was 15 at the time and I had been talking to this guy for a couple months, we end up hanging out, and he comes over to my house for a bit. So we’re getting a little comfortable with eachother as time goes by and cuddling. He end up having to leave after a few hours, mind you we are 15 and don’t drive, so my mom was gonna drive him back to his house and I would go with her, so we go downstairs and we are putting our shoes and jackets on.
My mom goes out to wait in the car and the guy comes over to me, grabbed my face and basically just sticks is tongue down my throat…… like the worst “makeout” I’ve ever experienced. Also this is my first kiss, so in my head I’m like “oh my god is this what kissing is supposed to be like!!??” He had the most cracked lips ever, so when we were “making out” that’s all I could feel on my lips. YUCK. Anywho after he stuck is tongue down my throat, I kid you not. My lips were cracked and so so dry for a week. It was the worst thing ever and I’ll never forget that day.
Vionne: What’s your idea of the of the ultimate Valentines Day location?
Chancey: My dream location for a perfect Valentines Day, would have to be in Amalfi Coast Italy, at a beautiful patio restaurant overlooking the view during the sunset, with a nice crisp cold alcoholic beverage in hand, and a huge plate of fresh pasta in front of me and my future husband.
Vionne: What song would be the soundtrack to your perfect Valentine’s Day?
Chancey: Cuff It By Beyoncé would probably be my song if I had to pick one. I feel like it’s just the perfect upbeat, sweet and loving song for two people in love. If my dream Valentine’s Day date was filmed and captured on camera, then this song would absolutely play over the video.
VIONNE: Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? What does it mean to you?
Isabella: I celebrate Valentine’s Day as a reminder to appreciate the people in my life who make me feel supported and loved.
VIONNE: Do you believe in love at first sight — why or why not?
Isabella: I think first impressions can be powerful, but real love comes from getting to know someone and building trust over time.
VIONNE: What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel confident?
Isabella: An outfit that’s stylish but still comfortable — something that feels true to me and usually has a touch of pink.
VIONNE: What song would be the soundtrack to your perfect Valentine’s Day?
Isabella: “I Know Love” by Tate McRae.
VIONNE: What’s your idea of the ultimate Valentine’s Day location?
Isabella: Saint Barts — somewhere warm, beautiful, and relaxed.
VIONNE: Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? What does it mean to you?
Matt: Valentine’s Day symbolizes the love I have for my family and the people closest to me.
VIONNE: Worst date you’ve ever had — spill the tea.
Matt: My worst date was with someone who talked about her ex the entire time — definitely a sign she wasn’t over him.
VIONNE: What’s more your vibe: grand romantic gestures or small, thoughtful moments?
Matt: Small, thoughtful moments, because they feel more genuine and represent real life.
VIONNE: What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel confident?
Matt: A classic suit and tie.
VIONNE: What’s your idea of the ultimate Valentine’s Day location?
Matt: Paris — the city of love.
VIONNE: Do you believe in love at first sight — why or why not?
Yenuki: I thought I did, but I think falling in love means something different for everyone. For me, you can be attracted to someone at first sight, but falling in love means loving who they truly are, not who you imagine them to be. It means choosing to love every part of them consistently and growing together through vulnerable moments. As a Christian, love to me is patience, humility, kindness, honesty, and forgiveness. It’s acting with intention in relationships, not just following fleeting emotions. I’ve experienced that initial spark with someone who felt familiar and exciting from the beginning, but over time I realized love isn’t just a feeling, it’s consistency, intention, and emotional presence. So while I believe in that spark, I think love is something that deepens with time, honesty, and mutual effort.
VIONNE: Worst date you’ve ever had — spill the tea.
Yenuki: I went on a date with this guy once and he got really mad at me for saying hi to my guy friends outside of the bar. He was so angry the whole way home that he drove through a red light and we almost got hit by a Metro Transit bus.
VIONNE: What’s more your vibe: grand romantic gestures or small, thoughtful moments?
Yenuki: Although I love grand gestures, I’m definitely the type of person to appreciate the small thoughtful moments. I think thoughtful moments really show how much someone pays attention to the little details about you. Those moments make you realize who really knows you and it creates the most intimate connections.
VIONNE: What song would be the soundtrack to your perfect Valentine’s Day?
Yenuki: Those Eyes by New West. I’m pretty emotional so a small thoughtful moment/date on top of this song playing would definitely make me feel like I’m in my personal rom-com.
VIONNE: What’s your idea of the ultimate Valentine’s Day location?
Yenuki: Hear me out… F1 race in Monza, Italy and then dinner afterwards would be super romantic to me personally. I love a good cinematic memory. But I also love the idea of ordering takeout, staying in our pajamas, and watching a really good thriller movie together.
Follow Blair Bartlett | Soli Mgmt
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