My Creative Hero: The Spanish King

Celine van Heel stands out as a director and photographer who embraces authenticity and uniqueness. Born in Athens and of Spanish and Dutch descent.

Her skill in capturing extreme and exaggerated moments has led her to create images that challenge the conventional norms of fashion photography as we know it.

Celine began her career by capturing her 92 year-old grandfather during covid. He was her first muse and inspiration (she called him “the Spanish King”). Colour and extravagance are at the core of her work, creating vibrant and dynamic imagery that transports viewers into a bold and vivid universe. Her work pushes the boundaries of artistic conventions, delivering striking and lively images that celebrate inclusivity, fun, and uniqueness.

LBB> Who would you say is your creative hero? 

Celine> My creative hero is, without a doubt, my 92 year old grandfather.

During the pandemic, my grandfather and I were alone at home. He gave me his camera and I started taking pictures for the first time. I decided to create an Instagram account for him, called “The Spanish King”.

I started to create content, taking pictures, making videos of him, and I loved it instantly! He has been my first model, my first muse and the reason why I decided to take this new path in my career.

After quarantine…it became a full- time job: we started to get campaigns, editorials, videoclips, acting roles for films and series…. My grandpa got a second life full of excitement and I got to travel with him and start a new path in my career. I’m very thankful to get to live this with him. He’s my hero!

LBB> How long has this person been important to you and what are your first memories of meeting them or coming across their work?

Celine> I’ve always had a very special relationship with my grandfather. Since I’m a kid, I’ve always looked up to him, his elegance, the way he talks. I’ve known my hero since I was born.

LBB> If it’s someone you personally know, how did you get to know them and how has your relationship evolved over the years? If you don’t know this person, how did you go about finding to learn more about them and their work? 

Celine> As I mentioned before, he was one of the first people to hold me in his arms, when I was born. Our relationship has evolved in a very close way over the years.

LBB> Why is the person such an inspiration to you? 

Celine> My grandfather is a big inspiration to me, because he has proven to me that you can do anything at any age. That wrinkles are beautiful, that being rare is beautiful. I want to remind myself of that everyday.

LBB> How does this person influence you in your approach to your creative work? 

Celine> My grandfather is the basis of how I approach my creative work: be fearless, young, ironic, sexy, more is more!!!

LBB> What piece or pieces of this person’s work do you keep coming back to and why? 

Celine> Well I definitely am very proud of a collaboration we did with Zara. We designed a whole collection called “The Spanish King x Zara”, sold worldwide in all stores. I was so proud of him, of us and what we had reached. It’s an example I give to people when they ask me about my grandfather's work, and how far he has made it at 92 years old.