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72 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 68YOUR JOURNEY TO PHOTOGRAPHY HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT CONVENTIONAL. HOW DID GROW- ING UP IN MILAN AND YOUR GODFATHER%u2019S INFLU- ENCE SHAPE YOUR ARTISTIC PERSPECTIVE?Before finding her voice in music, Angelica I was born in 1970, so growing up in Milan in the %u201880s and early %u201890s felt like living in a dream. My brother and I often featured in kids%u2019 fashion editorials, thanks to Nino Leto, a well-known photographer who worked for Mondadori. The vibrant fashion scene was a big part of my life, especially since my mother worked for ERREUNO and ROCCO BAROCCO during the fashion season. I loved observing the shows and chatting with the models. During their breaks, I used to sneak backstage to observe and learn about their perspectives.Nino later shifted toward photojournalism and shared his stories with me, which deeply influenced my view of the world. These experiences taught me to find beauty in the ordinary and to capture moments that tell a story. I think Milan%u2019s mix of fashion and storytelling laid the foundation for my photography, inspiring me to explore and document life with passion and a keen eye. CAPE TOWN SEEMS TO HAVE CAPTURED YOUR HEART. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE CITY AND ITS SURROUNDINGS THAT INSPIRE YOUR WORK?Angelica%u2019s leap into music was driven by an I first came to Cape Town in 1996 as a 26-year-old, newly married to a South African I met while working in the Caribbean and later on mega yachts. Growing up in Milan with a privileged upbringing, the idea of exploring South Africa was incredibly exciting. We all knew about the old regime, and with Tata Madiba (as he%u2019s affectionately called) now free, a new era was beginning. I was eager to hear the stories and witness firsthand the changes taking place. Western media often didn%u2019t provide the full picture, but that%u2019s a story for another time.The multicultural mix and ethnic diversity in Cape Town were unlike anything I had experienced in Italy, where I often felt like the odd one out because I was French. Here, it%u2019s a melting pot of history, tradition, and so much more. I love walking around and capturing everyday life, though sometimes it%u2019s hard to stand there and observe, especially when the reality of people%u2019s lives hits hard, bringing a knot to my stomach and tears to my eyes.Cape Town is special. The breathtaking scenery and nature at my doorstep make it incredibly inspiring. I often say it%u2019s the Miami of Africa for what it can offer to those who can afford it. This city, with its vibrant life and complex history, continually fuels my passion for photography, pushing me to capture its essence and stories through my lens. YOU DESCRIBE A CONNECTION BETWEEN ALL LIVING THINGS AS %u201cANCIENT AND POWERFUL.%u201d HOW DO YOU TRANSLATE SUCH AN ABSTRACT CONCEPT INTO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS?Angelica%u2019s leap into music was driven by a I don%u2019t see it as an abstract concept at all. Take Table Mountain, for example%u2014it%u2019s world-renowned and said to be over 200 million years old, with some rocks around the base estimated to be 500 million years old. This is the ancient. As for powerful, look at the history of this place and the strength it took to rise from despair. The original inhabitants, the Khoisan, are almost magical. It%u2019s also said that Table Mountain is considered the Earth Chakra, attracting many spiritual travelers.When I capture moments, I like to think they are influenced by all of this. The ancient and powerful essence of Table Mountain, the resilience of the people, and the rich history and culture of the area all contribute to the connection I feel with my surroundings. I like to think that this connection translates into my photographs, allowing me to capture the beauty and strength that exists in everyday life.Exclusive InterviewMOSTMAGAZINE72 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 69