TOKYO BLOOM.

"TOKYO BLOOM"

 The presence of summer has been strong as of late. It's hard not to spread positive vibes when the sun's shining and the the temperature is above average for the time of year. Our latest styling project at Condé Nast had me reflecting on the summer bloom and where my next adventure lies. My time at Condé Nast is drawing to a close but what a remarkable journey it has been. 

My latest shoot I have named "Tokyo Bloom". The inspiration came after I spent the evening going through some boxes I still haven't touched since moving to London [Baring in mind I moved here in September '13] and the unexpected yet pleasant discovery of  Gwen Stefani's album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

I remember how fascinating I found these four little Japanese girls who followed her every move, Harajuku had been opened as a new world to the west. Rich Girl stood out for on that album with the video prominent in my head.. her blonde locks in tight buns embellished with beads and flowers.

Using this embellishment and an a visual reference I remember of Kate Moss,dancing to The Strange Boys - Be brave in a Nick Knight video for a summer Topshop campaign, were the combined ideas for the shoot. [I once played this video on loop at a house party I was throwing at my dad's house.. Awkward].

 I worked the trend of clashing prints with an (amazing) white, lace wedge to create that oriental/Vivienne Westwood style. [I kept thinking of the runway show where Naomi fell in her Westwood shoes circa 1993].

My model was Ella Bernie from Elite London. Gifted with never ending limbs, thick brows and a youthful image, this home-bred London girl will have a strong career in both runway and editorial. She had a brilliant personality with great charisma and a strong ethic to work!

Here's my unedited images as a preview & mood board.