Juggling life’s threads: a layered portrait of a father, mechanic and fashion designer

Zachary Anderson isn’t your typical Central Saint Martins student. At 33, he juggles multiple responsibilities as a father, mechanic, photographer and fashion designer. His daily routine is punctuated by early mornings and late nights, often starting with a call-out to fix a car, and ending with a late-night ride home on his motorcycle. Born and raised in a working-class family in London, Zachary’s roots shape his unique perspective of the city. His MA collection, London Identities, blends high-end tailoring with sportswear, weaving a narrative about authenticity, limitations, and resilience. “The whole point is to show how limitations can produce the most beautiful things,” says Zachary.

This story caught the attention of photographer Adam Lin and journalist Amanda Mok. “I often encounter stories of young, talented creatives who seem to be described as geniuses,” says Lin. “While these stories can be inspiring to some extent, they often overlook the deeper, more complex realities behind that success – the sacrifices, privileges, and other conditions that essentially shape their journey.”

Together, they decided to document Zachary’s life – his family, work, and the unique challenges they face. Titled Juggling Life’s Threads, the project digs deep into Zachary’s personal life, where passion and duty intersect. Before visiting Zachary at his home, Lin and Mok conducted around five in-depth interviews. “These were crucial for understanding not just his creative practice but also his family dynamics and cultural background,” he says. In these conversations, Zachary reveals that while he loves being a father, the guilt lingers. “Leaving your children drains your energy,” he admits, in an interview with Mok. His partner, Laura initially doubted his decision to pursue fashion, but ultimately supports his dream: “When Zach gets something in his head, there’s not much point going in any other direction.”

Lin captures these layered dynamics, particularly in one standout still-life (above) made up of objects from Zachary’s home: sketchbooks, a sewing machine, family photographs and motorcycle parts. “On their own, these items might seem mundane, but together they create a sense of unity and balance,” says Lin. The image is like a symbol of Zachary’s pursuit: a patchwork of unfamiliar elements stitched together – fragile, but unique and beautiful.

What Lin captures in his portrait of Zachary's life is also universal – the push and pull between work and life; obligation and creativity. “As creatives, we are so much more than what we create,” he reflects. “In an era where social media often fuels comparison and superficial judgments, it’s important to recognise that every person has a unique story shaped by experiences, challenges, sacrifices and so many other social, economic, and cultural conditions.” Just like Zachary’s collection, Lin’s photographs offer a counter-narrative to the industry’s obsession with fast fame and achievement. Instead, he highlights the slowness, depth and humanity behind creative work. “Zachary’s story serves as a reminder that life is a holistic experience, where personal and professional aspects are deeply intertwined,” says Lin.