The initimate world of young women in New York

Photographing people in their bedrooms has been a long-held fascination for creative types. You can tell a lot about someone from what their room looks like – what they choose to keep on the bedside table or hang up on the wall, their choice of duvet cover or pillow arrangement. How they’ve decided to place the photographs/​posters/​ornaments they feel best communicates who they are. Beyond that, these types of images appeal to our inherent sense of nosiness. I wish I knew what everyone’s bedroom looked like.

“I think it represents the most honest version of a person,” says Sophia Wilson, a 24-year-old photographer from New York’s East Village, who is carrying the torch for this well-worn but always captivating trend. Over the last few months, she’s been documenting young women – friends, friends of friends – in their rooms, driven by the intimacy of capturing them in the comfort of their homes.

“People present all kinds of ways in public,” Sophia continues. ​“Chill, Type A, mysterious, whatever, but their room tells the real story. That’s where you see what they actually care about, how they move through the world when no one’s watching. In this series, let me tell you, I’m opening those doors.”

Casting-wise, this project has been a family affair. Styled by her best friend Cassie Jekanoski and produced by Raquel Michel, the trio instinctively know when they’ve found someone with ​“the right authentic energy and quirks,” as Sophia puts it. If not pals, she’s shot cool girls spotted around the city. That’s just one part of the fun, though – playing dress up and reconnecting with their inner child has been healing for the whole team. ​“It’s been super therapeutic,” Sophia continues. ​“We goof off a lot on set, we laugh constantly. Cassie and I are always like, ​‘being girls is so fun. This rocks. We are legends’.”

The latest star of the ongoing photo-series is Chloe Cherry, the actress best-known for playing Barbie girl junkie Faye in the second season of Euphoria. In one of Sophia’s photographs, she sits cross-legged on the end of her bed, beaming with pride. ​“My favourite thing about my room is its cleanliness,” Chloe says. ​“I used to have insomnia and something that can cause insomnia is a messy room. I think everyone should get blackout curtains and sleep for 12 hours straight. It’s healing.”

So what does Sophia hope young women will get out of looking at these images?

​“I hope they feel seen and like they can recognise themselves unfiltered and real,” she says. ​“And I hope it brings out their inner child a little, too. There’s something so joyful about watching other girls play dress-up – it’s playful, it’s nostalgic, it’s freeing.”

HAIR Sean Fears SET DESIGN Eden Vanetek LIGHTING Aurelia GRIP John Becker PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Giselle Keena