"There’s no mistaking it, Tezz and Nausicaa have a unique bond. They are more like sisters than friends, and it is that genuine connection that makes images like these possible. I have always loved the work of Helmut Newton. Growing up, our house was filled with his books and guests were greeted by a giant print of Henriette Allais standing nude in our hallway. To me, it was all perfectly normal. This set, taken two weeks ago in Ibiza, pays homage to that combination of bravado and the affection Newton had for his models.

One afternoon, Tezz and Nausicaa had gone upstairs to the flat roof of our villa to sunbathe. The midday heat was almost hypnotic and I found Nausicaa draped across Tezz’s legs. As always, I had a camera close by. I took a single frame of the moment and thought little of it. It was only later, when I reviewed the image, that the idea for this series began to form. I shared the concept with Nausicaa, who was instantly inspired and soon helped Tezz with the styling.

Before long they were back on the white rooftop, standing in the hard, unforgiving sunlight and looking magnificent. From that moment, the images came easily. The simplicity of the white rooftop, the deep blue sky and the giant palm tree provided the perfect stage. They may have had roles to play, but their performances were never an act. What you see is an intimacy born of genuine friendship. I may have created the concept, but in truth I simply photographed two people who embraced the opportunity and brought their own energy to it."

Sam Barton.