THE PHOTOGRAPHER THAT BALANCES THE SCALES BY BEING HOTTER THAN YOU.

Being an artist doesn’t always equate to being behind the scenes. Case in point, Kitso; she’s the photographer that makes her subjects feel right at home because they’re not the only hot one in the room.  She knows how to capture your beauty – because it’s her second nature, too. You can catch her serving and giving what needs to be served and given, no matter where she is.

Cities hum with potential—opportunities, connections, and reinvention—but it also exacts a price: requiring our relentless energy, resilience, and an unspoken agreement to keep pace with its rhythm. 

In our latest editorial campaign for ASICS SportStyle, ‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT,’ we honour the creatives who have committed to the grind of city living with precision; breathing life into the places they find themselves immersed in. We are honoured to have showcased a lineup of individuals so far, who transform each day into a new opportunity for realising their dreams; from Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens, to Reagan Paulsen and now, the iconic and indomitable photographer and muse Kitso Kgori. 

Photography is the technical act of translating beauty and presence into a single frame. When Kitso steps behind the lens, she does precisely this; as a photographer with an eye for composition that makes every subject look and feel iconic. But her secret weapon? She can invariably be the hottest one in the room. When Kitso is on set, her subjects can relax—the pressure is off, truly. They’re no longer the ones carrying the heat. That balance, that knowingness, is what makes Kitso’s work simultaneously effortless yet powerful.

‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Kitso Kgori, Photographer: Keegan Foreman

Kitso embodies the versatility, resilience, and creative agility required to thrive in the city. Whether she’s capturing golden-hour portraits or navigating the chaos of a shoot day, Kitso moves with ease—balancing function and flair like a true athlete of the city.

For Kitso, the secret to making her subjects look like their most striking selves lies in her acute attention to detail. “I pay close attention to detail, especially in the way I compose my images,” she explains. “The angles and framing of my subject depict beauty and authenticity in the most powerful way because of how I’ve composed the image.”

That level of precision is what sets Kitso apart. Kitso designs the images that she has in mind, and her work is intentional, infused with an understanding of the nuances that elevate an image from good to unforgettable.

As a self-proclaimed maximalist, Kitso’s aesthetic is bold, vibrant, and unapologetic. “My personal aesthetic definitely influences my photography,” she says. “I usually opt for bold and vibrant colours, and that’s very evident in my sense of fashion.” It’s a signature that carries through her work, making her images instantly recognisable. Whether through rich colour palettes, expressive contrasts, or energetic compositions, Kitso’s eye is unmistakable.

Capturing beauty comprises an understanding of multiple elements; and Kitso has a clearly defined approach in how to synthesise angles, lighting, and composition come together to create something visually magnetic. Kitso’s approach is precise and deeply considered. “High angles are my go-to because most of my pictures are around water. Water, for me, defines elegance and delicacy, especially from a high angle,” says Kitso, and in terms of lighting, “I’m a huge fan of sunrise and sunset shoots. I prefer soft, diffused natural light.” There’s something ethereal about golden-hour lighting—an effect Kitso leverages to amplify the emotion in her work. Lastly, “I consider a few elements in my composition: texture, which adds a sense of touch and depth; colour, which sets the mood and feeling of the image, like an underexposed shot; and symmetry, which creates balance and harmony.”

For Kitso, staying stagnant isn’t an option. She’s constantly evolving—both behind and in front of the lens. “As an artist, I cultivate inspiration by going through my usual design references—art, architecture, and fashion. I explore the works of a particular artist, fashion designer, or architect, right from their archives to their latest work.”

‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Kitso Kgori, Photographer: Keegan Foreman

For Kitso, growth is equally an external process as it is about refining oneself, too. “As a subject, I’m very open to constructive criticism. This helps me understand other people’s views, and then I try to improve my skills based on that feedback—whether it’s good or bad.”

Regarding ‘City Living Is A Sport’ as our campaign’s guiding mantra, Kitso notes that “this, for me, means the constant multitasking of life—the ongoing hustle, the everyday problem-solving of both your personal and professional life, while still trying to maintain your individuality.” It’s a balancing act, a daily sprint, a test of endurance and through it all, Kitso moves with precision and grace—never missing a beat, never missing a shot.

For Kitso, her style is rooted in her strength, and we aimed to subvert her affinity for bold colours, with Kitso’s look standing as a symphony of neutrals— captured in the campaign wearing the tonally soft ASICS GEL-NUNOBIKI™  (this colourway available mid-March) sneaker, named after the iconic Nunobiki Falls in Kobe, Japan—an area known for its serene waterfalls and rugged mountain landscapes. This sneaker draws inspiration from the GEL-KAHANA™ 3 and GEL-TARGET, incorporating synthetic matte and semi-gloss layers that mimic the rough, natural textures of the outdoors while delivering a sleek urban trail aesthetic. 

Complementing the look, Kitso wears the ASICS ROAD COMPRESSION BRA and matching ASICS NAGINO 4IN RUN SHORT in the shade ‘COFFEE’—a technical set designed by expert runners for optimal movement and ventilation. The high-support bra minimises bounce during intense runs, offering a compressive fit for added stability. Crafted from a soft, quick-drying fabric, it ensures all-day comfort, while moulded construction and zoned elastic details enhance coverage and ease of wear. It’s worth noting that the run shorts are made with 100% recycled materials, reinforcing ASICS’ commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and carbon emissions.

Kitso Kgori is the kind of creative force that creates the culture as she captures it. Whether she’s setting the visual tone behind the lens or serving maximalist looks in front of it, she remains a step ahead of the game.

And in a city where living is a sport, Kitso’s already won.

Kitso’s look: Kitso wears the ASICS GEL-NUNOBIKI™ sneaker, a fusion of nature and urban design (this colourway will be available from mid-March) Inspired by the rugged terrain of Nunobiki Falls in Kobe, Japan. Complementing the look, Kitso wears the ASICS ROAD COMPRESSION BRA and matching NAGINO 4IN RUN SHORT in the shade ‘COFFEE’—a technical set designed by expert runners for optimal movement and ventilation.

Credits: 

Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle 

Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus

Talent: Kitso Kgori

Production assistant: Grace Crooks

Photographer: Keegan Foreman 

HMU: Xola Makoba 

Stylist: Holly Beaton

Art Direction and Campaign Design: Briony Blevin

Written by: Holly Beaton

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

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‘THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER THAT CAN ALSO DO EVERYTHING ELSE FOR YOUR BRIEF.’

Being a creative means wearing many hats – and your portfolio should reflect as such. He’s that graphic designer with the knowledge that design is a language with many tones of expression, and that storytelling is the key to unlocking any project. You can catch him somewhere between Cape Town and Ho Chi Minh City, finessing a brand deck at the coffee shop (bonus points if he leaves with a new collab idea).

City living is an endurance game, a relentless rhythm that requires agility, foresight, and the ability to pivot at a moment’s notice. In our latest editorial campaign with ASICS SportStyle, ‘City Living Is A Sport,’ we celebrate the creatives who navigate this landscape with precision. Over five weeks, we’re spotlighting a roster of individuals who channel the pulse of their cities into their work. 

So far, we’ve covered the Creative Director, Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini and the Art Director, Tarryn Bambi Tippens. Next up? Reagan Paulsen, a graphic designer whose versatility makes him an essential creative force in any project. As a creative problem solver with a foundation in product design, Reagan moves fluidly between disciplines, ensuring that each project is as cohesive as it is dynamic. Whether he’s crafting a brand deck in a Cape Town coffee shop or brainstorming collaborations in Ho Chi Minh City (where he just moved to), his approach is underpinned by a clear philosophy: storytelling is the key to unlocking any project.

‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Reagan Paulsen, Photographer: Keegan Foreman

“Consistency,” Reagan says when asked about the most critical yet overlooked element of design. “Coming from a product design background in the fashion industry, I know the importance of tying every element to a project’s core identity. It’s beyond aesthetics, it’s about purpose—whether it’s ensuring a graphic complements the garment or that it aligns with the brand’s vision.”

This understanding sets Reagan apart. He recognises that good design extends to encompass alignment, functionality, and cohesion. Reagan’s ability to translate this into different mediums—be it a campaign, a collection, or a digital space—ensures his work remains both impactful and relevant.

Reagan’s adaptability is rooted in his dual expertise in product and graphic design. “My background in fashion helps me think beyond just visuals—I consider how a design interacts with fabrics, fits, and the wearer’s lifestyle. This lets me adapt to different projects while staying true to my clean, bold, and purposeful design philosophy.”

Reagan thrives in the intersection of aesthetics and function, approaching every project with the same incisive attention to detail. This balance allows him to shift between industries without diluting his creative voice—a rare ability in today’s fast-moving creative landscape. Streetwear’s DNA is embedded in his design philosophy. “Streetwear taught me the value of authenticity and functionality. With my foundation in product design, I bring a hands-on approach to creating pieces that merge utility with creative expression. For me, every design—whether graphic or garment—needs to feel intentional and culturally relevant.”

Reagan understands that streetwear is a movement and a means of expression. His work reflects this ideology, always informed by the cultural undercurrents shaping the industry, and that design as an overall discipline (no matter the medium) is a balancing act between restraint and experimentation. “It’s all about the project’s intent. My product design background taught me the power of simplicity when function is key, while my graphic design work lets me experiment with bold visuals when creativity takes center stage. I find balance by staying grounded in the purpose behind the design.”

Reagan’s process is as calculated as it is instinctual, allowing him to pivot between minimalism and maximalism with ease.

For ‘City Living Is A Sport’, Reagan is dressed for the challenge: with ASICS’ performance-driven, city-ready gear aligns perfectly with Paulsen’s philosophy. His look in the campaign is curated for those who need both style and utility in their daily lives, as Reagan sports the ASICS GEL-NYC™ Sneakers, a hybrid of heritage and modern performance, combining the GEL-NIMBUS™ 3 upper with the GEL-MC PLUS™ V’s detailing. Paired with the ASICS FUJITRAIL WATERPROOF Jacket in Magnetic Blue, the jacket is designed in collaboration with trail athletes and tested in extreme conditions, this waterproof, lightweight, and breathable jacket is the ultimate shield against the elements. Made with Pertex Shield fabric from Japan, it offers superior freedom of movement and practicality—essential for a designer constantly on the move. To complete the look, Reagan also wears the ASICS ROAD GRAPHIC SS Tee: A stylish yet functional tee made from a soft cotton blend with quick-drying technology, ensuring comfort whether he’s working, training, or exploring the city, and topped off with a classic ASICS 5-PANEL Cap for a final touch of streetwear sensibility, offering protection and a subtle nod to Paulsen’s design-forward aesthetic.

‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Reagan Paulsen, Photographer: Keegan Foreman

Reagan Paulsen embodies the ethos of ‘City Living Is A Sport’—a designer who creates for the city he lives in; actively moves through it, thriving in its unpredictability. “To me, this tagline speaks to the energy and adaptability required to thrive in an urban environment. As an active individual, I value versatility—not just in my designs but in my lifestyle. I look for garments that transition seamlessly from city life to the outdoors, whether I’m out with friends or going for a run or trek surrounded by natural beauty. City living, like design, is all about being prepared for anything while staying stylish and functional.” Whether behind a screen, on the streets, or somewhere between Cape Town and Ho Chi Minh City, Reagan’s approach to design and life is one and the same: adaptable, purposeful, and always in motion.

Reagan’s look: Reagan wears the ASICS GEL-NYC™ Sneakers, a fusion of heritage and modern performance —perfect for navigating unpredictable city terrain. Alongside the ASICS FUJITRAIL WATERPROOF Jacket in Magnetic Blue, the jacket is designed with trail athletes in mind and tested in extreme conditions, it features Pertex Shield fabric from Japan, ensuring freedom of movement—essential for a designer on the go. With the ASISCS ROAD GRAPHIC SS Tee, crafted from a soft cotton blend with quick-drying technology and an ASICS 5-PANEL Cap to complete the look. 

Credits: 

Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle 

Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus

Talent: Reagan Paulsen

Production assistant: Grace Crooks

Photographer: Keegan Foreman 

HMU: Xola Makoba 

Stylist: Holly Beaton

Art Direction and Campaign Design: Briony Blevin

Written by: Holly Beaton

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

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