Captains are meant to lead
The interaction with what surrounds us can unfurl infinite paths and possibilities, numerous developments of a story so unique that it only resembles itself.
Human of Light Van Khokhlov
Photography Luca Caizzi
Art Director Enrico Magistro
When people have the chance to meet Van Khokhlov, it might be very difficult for them to even wonder what he does in his life, which is his profession, what are his thoughts. Mostly, because he is not much of a chatter, at least at the beginning. As words are spoken, you understand two things: first, you are punching through, getting his esteem and affection; second, you understand how unique and peculiar the person in front of you is.
Born from a Russian father and an Italian mother, he was soon projected into the artistic realm of creation. With both parents working in creative fields (the former as an interior designer and house builder, and the latter as a flowers stylist and reseller), he quickly developed the need to express himself throughout creativity. Before there was music when as a young ten years old boy he used to join and lead jazz jam sessions, and now there is cinema. A director is someone with a vision, and with the urge to show it to other people, and Van has definitely a very peculiar eyesight over the world we are living in.
Even though he is always on the go, Van’s life does not revolve around places, but more around people. There is always someone close to him: the same old group of friends, the crew he’s leading on a set, or a bunch of random people met at the club. He might not be aware of the magnetic power he has on them, but he does have it.
Always in company, but somehow he is always living in his own world. It should not worry you to see him focused on its mobile, busy to capture short videos of what is happening around him, ready to post them on his Instagram profile. The odd part is that he doesn’t. He snaps hundreds of stories, maybe laughing and smiling to himself, and then he deletes them. Moments of daily oddities captured and then let go forever as if that was simply his way to gaze at the world.
Design resembles personalities, and every sailor would be blessed to have their ship lighten up by the golden mainmast of a Captain Flint. A brass beacon aiming where one is standing, and where one is ahead.
An infinite quest, trough the sea of authenticity and real daily life, where the true beauty can be found. And even if he has now been living in Italy for the last ten years, there is always room for memories, for the good ones. Those that keep you hooked to your true self, that recall what home and family feel like.
