RAW preparation is completely different when it comes to black and white. We start the edit by enabling the black and white filter in Capture One. Nino focuses on creating a high contrast image here, knowing that there will be contrast brought down during his Photoshop process.
Part of the cleanup here is helping the backdrop look perfect as well. Looking at the overall image is critical to Nino.
Nino uses liquify for corrections and stylistic choices, and done with anatomy/physique kept in mind.